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How long is the NHS autism waiting list, and what can I do while I wait?

The latest waiting figures, why waits are long, and practical support you can get now.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 27, 2026 · 2 min read
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A parent and young child sitting together on a grey sofa at home
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The short answer

Waits are long across England. NHS England's statistics for June 2026 showed about 295,000 people with an open referral for suspected autism, and nearly 87% had been waiting at least 13 weeks. While you wait, your child can still get support at school without a diagnosis, you may be able to use Right to Choose, and simple routines at home can help now.

Key takeaways
  • In June 2026, about 295,000 people had an open autism referral in England.
  • Nearly 87% had waited at least 13 weeks.
  • School support doesn't need a diagnosis.
  • Right to Choose may be an option in England.

How long are the waits?

NHS England publishes autism waiting time statistics. The June 2026 figures showed 294,792 patients with an open referral for suspected autism, of whom 256,017 (86.8%) had been waiting at least 13 weeks.1 NICE recommends assessment should start within 3 months of referral.2

What support can my child get while waiting?

  • At school: schools must support children with special educational needs through SEN support, and you can request an EHC needs assessment, with or without a diagnosis.3 See What is an EHCP?
  • Right to Choose (England): you may be able to choose a different NHS-funded provider. See What is Right to Choose?
  • Local services: your council's Local Offer lists SEND support and services. See What is the Local Offer?

What can I do at home now?

Try
  • A visual timetable for one hard part of the day
  • A now-and-next board for transitions
  • Keeping notes of what's hard and what helps
  • Asking school what they notice
Skip
  • Waiting for a diagnosis before trying anything
  • Paying for online tests that can't diagnose
Free printable: starter packPDF · 3 pages · morning schedule, first-then board and 5-star token chart
Download Free printable: starter pack

What can I do this week?

0 of 3 done

Read next: How do I make a visual timetable?

Common questions

Referrals have grown much faster than assessment capacity. NHS figures show open referrals rising year on year.

Sources

  1. NHS England Digital: Autism waiting time statistics. digital.nhs.uk
  2. NICE: Autism quality standard (QS51), statement 1. nice.org.uk
  3. GOV.UK: Children with special educational needs and disabilities, extra help. gov.uk

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. Every child is different, so please talk with your child's doctor or care team about what's right for your family. How we write our guides.

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