Health · Mental Health · 1 day ago
UK plans tighter oversight of private ADHD and autism assessments
Private clinics do more than half of NHS-funded ADHD assessments and over a third of autism assessments.
A government review said assessment quality and oversight vary, and warned that some payment rules may encourage more assessments.
The government says it will strengthen regulation, including requiring all these assessments to be covered by the Care Quality Commission.
The aim is to improve standards while private providers continue to help meet demand.
A government-commissioned review led by clinical psychologist Professor Peter Fonagy warned that the quality and consistency of some private ADHD and autism assessments are a concern.
The Department of Health and Social Care said it would strengthen legislation and make all diagnostic assessments for ADHD and autism regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
Independent firms conduct more than half of NHS-funded ADHD assessments and more than a third of NHS-funded autism assessments, according to the article.
The review said oversight, transparency and quality assurance had not kept pace with the fast-growing use of public money for private assessments.
It recommended consistent standards, comparable reporting by providers, and a ban on direct-to-public advertising of ADHD and autism assessments.
- Who
- The Department of Health and Social Care and independent providers of ADHD and autism assessments
- What
- The government plans to strengthen oversight of diagnostic assessments after a review raised concerns about their quality and consistency.
- When
- 10 October 2026
- Where
- England
- Why
- The review said fast-growing use of independent providers was not matched by consistent oversight, transparency or quality assurance.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
There are strong concerns about the consistency and quality of ADHD and autism assessments being carried out by independent providers, and the financial incentives associated with assessment activity.
This large and fast-growing use of public money is running without consistent oversight, transparency or quality assurance – commissioners often cannot see what they are paying for. This is not acceptable.
will take action to strengthen the oversight of mental health and neurodevelopmental services, and make all diagnostic assessments for ADHD and autism CQC-regulated
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Independent share of NHS-funded assessments
- More than half of ADHD assessments and more than a third of autism assessments
- Increase in spending on independent-sector ADHD provision
- Around 252 per cent in three years
- GPs accepting shared-care arrangements
- Around 62 per cent
- Review leader
- Professor Peter Fonagy, a clinical psychologist
- Review recommendations
- CQC regulation for every assessment provider, comparable reporting as a condition of public funding, and a ban on direct-to-public advertising
Sources
Related news
Couples urged to consider consensual masturbation as a shared sexual option
Fathers’ Regret Can Reflect What They Lost in Themselves
Psychotherapist links anxiety, anger and creativity
Mother’s work commitment clashes with urgent care for her daughter
A Weekly, Structured Conversation May Help Couples Raise Concerns
Changes in communication and affection may signal marital withdrawal
Review says rising youth distress is real and services are falling short
Study links cannabis-related anxiety in mice to central amygdala neurons
Testing Hidden Assumptions Can Help Build Self-Validation
Young carers in Western Australia say care duties limit their childhood and studies
Behavioral parent training can help neurodivergent children, evidence suggests
