NHS spending on ADHD and autism assessments surges, costs called unsustainable

NHS spending on assessments for ADHD and autism has surged dramatically over the past year, with costs in some regions increasing tenfold, prompting health leaders to declare the situation "out of control and unsustainable." The rapid rise is largely attributed to a policy allowing patients to bypass long waiting lists by choosing private providers, with the NHS then footing the bill. Under the Right to Choose initiative, patients can opt for any qualified provider for an assessment. This has led to a significant increase in private clinics offering services, but without a national fixed tariff, the NHS is facing enormous variation in costs.