Northern England's Autism Crisis: A Wait That's Unacceptable

A concerning new analysis reveals that children in Northern England are facing alarming delays in autism diagnoses, waiting up to three years longer than their Southern counterparts. Data from NHS England highlights a stark contrast: in Mid and South Essex, kids wait an average of just 54 days for assessments, comfortably fitting within the recommended 13-week guideline. In contrast, children in South Yorkshire endure an agonizing wait of 1,063 days, which translates to nearly three years of uncertainty.

Shocking Statistics Uncover Systemic Failures

The report, published by the Child of the North initiative, sheds light on some disturbing trends: only 4.5% of under-18s in England receive an autism appointment within the NICE-recommended timeframe. Additionally, it reveals a staggering disparity where girls of Pakistani heritage are 11 times less likely to receive a diagnosis compared to white British boys.

Rising Demand for ADHD Assessments

As if this crisis weren’t enough, referrals for ADHD assessments have surged by over 22% between June 2024 and 2025, putting further strain on an already overwhelmed system.

Urgent Call for Change: The #ChildrenFirst Campaign

The new report titled "Autism Assessment and Support Update: The Crisis is Worsening" marks the launch of the #ChildrenFirst campaign, spearheaded by Professor Mark Mon-Williams from the University of Leeds. "The autism assessment process was already in crisis, and it's only getting worse. We need urgent change!" he exclaimed, emphasizing the necessity for evidence-based solutions that can be implemented on the ground.

Support From Officials: A Step in the Right Direction

At the recent National Opportunity Summit in Leeds, Minister Josh MacAllister pledged his support to improve conditions for children, coinciding with his first day as Parliamentary Under-Secretary in the Department for Education. The #ChildrenFirst initiative seeks to tackle vital issues identified by Northern child health leaders, including poverty and mental health.

Practical Solutions on the Horizon

The campaign will introduce toolkits over the next 12 weeks aimed at empowering schools, healthcare workers, and local authorities to address the myriad challenges faced by children today. These resources will support practitioners in delivering timely and effective help.

A Collective Responsibility to Improve Lives

Baroness Anne Longfield, Founder of the Centre for Young Lives, voiced her concerns: "The number of children awaiting autism assessments is skyrocketing, placing immense pressure on families. We must create a system that provides support without waiting for a formal diagnosis."

Research-Driven Recommendations for a Brighter Future

The reports, grounded in thorough research from institutions across Northern England, aim to influence the Government's Opportunity Mission—an initiative focused on dismantling the barriers to success based on background. By aligning practitioners with government efforts, the goal is to ensure that all children have the best possible start in life.

Together, We Can Make a Difference!

Professor Mon-Williams reminds us, "The evidence is clear: the UK needs to build a healthy, well-educated future generation. Through our campaign, we can create a nation that truly supports all children and young people. The statistics are sobering, but by implementing our recommendations, we can start improving outcomes now. Together, we can make a difference!"