The proportion of patients in England with an autism referral receiving their first appointment in less than 13 weeks, after having an open referral for more than 13 weeks has declined for the third consecutive year.
In March 2025 4.5% of patients with an open referral received a first appointment, whereas in 2022 10.02% of patients received a first appointment, data from NHS England has revealed.
While the number of referrals has increased since 2022, the speed in which patients are receiving first appointments has not.
A total of 201,638 patients had an open suspected autism referral in March 2025, whereas in 2022 there were 158,784 patients.
Mel Merritt, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the National Autistic Society said: “An autism diagnosis can be life changing and in some cases lifesaving, but getting an autism assessment shouldn’t be hard.
“The assessment can be the first step to really understanding people’s needs.
“Autistic people and their families face a fight for support in all aspects of their lives, and this often starts with waiting for a diagnosis.”
If figures continue to rise at their current rate, this time next year there will 275,989 people waiting, according to figures from the NAS.
The NAS further added by stating the current average waiting time for an assessment is 438 days.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We have been clear it will take time to reverse the disastrous waiting lists we inherited – but we are putting patients first through our Plan for Change as we work to speed up appointments and improve care.”
Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends people should have an autism assessment within the 13 week timeframe.
An autism assessment is conducted by a team of specialists to determine if someone has an autism spectrum disorder.
The assessment process involves gathering information about an individual’s developmental history, current behaviours and social interactions to compare against a criteria.
In July 2021 the UK government launched a national strategy for autistic children, young people and adults, with the strategy aiming to build on the Autism Act 2009.
Feature image credit: Pixabay
Join the discussion