The NHS Alliance has warned that autism and ADHD services in England are facing serious pressure because demand and costs are increasing rapidly. Under the Right to Choose policy, patients can access assessments and treatment from NHS or non-NHS providers, helping some people avoid long waiting lists. However, this has also led to a rapid growth in private providers and charities offering services.

A major concern is the large variation in costs. Some NHS organisations have been charged between £300 and £3,000 for similar assessments or services. Spending has risen dramatically in some areas, with one local health board seeing costs increase ten-fold in just one year.

NHS managers are also concerned about the quality and safety of services. The rapid increase in providers makes it more difficult for local health boards to monitor standards, and some assessment-only providers do not need to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The government is carrying out an independent review into autism and ADHD services and the reasons for rising demand. This includes considering whether there may be over-diagnosis. The government has promised a new national approach to autism, ADHD and mental health.

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1. What is the main problem facing autism and ADHD services in England?

2. How has the Right to Choose policy affected autism and ADHD services?

3. Why are NHS managers concerned about the growth of private providers?