Update regarding NHS autism assessments

In summer 2025, the Government gave NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) the authority to limit provider activity to help manage local budgets. This affects all providers, NHS and independent, and across all specialties.
Some ICBs have now instructed providers to pause new bookings for autism assessments. These decisions vary by region and provider, and unfortunately, they may result in longer wait times.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB have paused bookings for autism assessments & are currently unable to confirm when further updates will be available.

Each ICB is responsible for managing its own budget and determining how services are commissioned and delivered within its region. The recent decision by Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB to pause autism assessment bookings is part of a broader effort to manage financial pressures across the NHS.

What this means for patients:
* Patients with existing booked appointments will continue their assessment as planned.
* Patients who have been referred but not yet booked will remain on our waiting list, but we are unable to progress their assessment until further notice. This may mean waiting until April 2026.
* If a patient no longer requires an assessment, please let us know so we can discharge them from our service.
* If a patient chooses to transfer to another provider, they will need a new referral and will restart the process from the beginning.
* You can continue to refer to us but please note these referrals will not be processed until we have further guidance from Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB.

If patients are unsure of where they are in the process please contact their service provider.

We understand the impact this may have on families and appreciate your support in helping them navigate this situation.

We encourage patients to contact their ICB, reach out to autism charities, and speak with their local MP to raise awareness of the delays.