Our response to the independent ADHD Taskforce's report

Improving ADHD support: National recommendations

NHS England's attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) independent taskforce published its first report into ADHD support in England, which highlights where improvements to services can be made.

Established in 2024 in response to growing concerns about delays in diagnosis and limited access to care, the Taskforce was set up to explore how services can better meet people’s needs and reduce the wider impact of unsupported ADHD on individuals, the NHS, and the economy.

This first report sets out both immediate and longer-term recommendations, including reducing waiting times, improving access to assessments, and ensuring consistent follow-up support—not just in hospitals, but in everyday services like local GP practices, mental health teams, and community clinics.

Healthwatch welcomes the publication of this report. Its priorities closely reflect what people have told Healthwatch England, our national Healthwatch, through recent polling—long delays, confusing referral routes (especially for adults), and a lack of follow-up support are common experiences. Many also told us these issues have seriously affected their mental health, relationships, and work.

Support for the priorities

Healthwatch England supports the Taskforce’s focus on four main areas:

• Clear and consistent support for everyone with ADHD
  We want a national plan (called a care pathway) that makes sure people get the right help at the right time—no matter where they live.
• More support through everyday local services
  Help shouldn’t only come from specialist clinics or hospitals. People should be able to get support through their GP, local mental health teams, and community services they already use.
• Better support for people who are often left out
  Some people face extra barriers—like those in rural areas, people on lower incomes, or from minority backgrounds. Services must work for everyone, not just those who know how to push for help.
• Listening to people with real experience
  Any changes to ADHD services should be shaped by people who live with ADHD or care for someone who does. Their voices matter.

Healthwatch England response

Responding to the report's publication, Healthwatch England's Chief Executive Louise Ansari said:

"We have been delighted to be a part of the ADHD taskforce. This interim report is a significant step forward in setting out clearly how to improve care for people living with ADHD.

"ADHD has a huge impact on people's lives. Their work, education and relationships can all suffer due to ADHD traits and lack of support. Receiving a timely assessment for ADHD, and support if diagnosed, can help to improve people's mental health, self-esteem, and their ability to work and study.

"The interim report aligns with our own work in this area and emphasises the need to provide more care in primary and community settings, as well as the need for more support for people enduring long waits for assessments."

A North Yorkshire perspective

From the North Yorkshire perspective, where adult ADHD waits now average nearly 118 weeks and only around 6 percent of people receive treatment, the Taskforce’s recommendations—particularly around improving assessment pathways, expanding interim support, and addressing workforce shortages—come at an urgent and critical time.