Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps being taken to provide adequate funding to help ensure the timely diagnosis of ADHD and autism.
Minister of Health: In relation to ADHD, there is currently no commissioned ADHD service in Northern Ireland. To inform future decisions, my Department commissioned an ADHD Needs Assessment in February 2025. The report, which was published in February this year, set out a range of recommendations for a future commissioned service, including indicative costs. Officials have subsequently undertaken an options appraisal process and are progressing further work on a shortlist of options aimed at addressing unmet need and informing future decisions on ADHD support, subject to overall affordability and future budget availability.
Waiting lists for autism assessment and support remain lengthy across Northern Ireland, with many children and young people waiting up to three years for an assessment and some adults waiting up to seven years. My Department recognises that this is unacceptable and that funding has not kept pace with objectively assessed need. In response, Trusts are using available in-year investment to support delivery of the 2025-2028 Autism Strategy, including initiatives to improve access to assessment, support and intervention before, during and after diagnosis. My Department is also working with partners to develop a regionally consistent neurodevelopmental pathway, which will help assess service capacity, workforce requirements and areas for future investment.
ENDS
