An independent ADHD Taskforce published its final report on 6 November 2025, reviewing services across health, education, employment and the criminal justice system and setting out recommendations to transform care.
The report finds services under significant pressure from rising demand, with growing numbers seeking assessment and support leading to long waits for diagnosis and treatment. Many recommendations require cross‑government action and better coordination between sectors.
NHS England response and next steps
– Since the Taskforce’s interim report, NHS England has worked with local systems to begin implementing key recommendations and improve care.
– The Medium‑term Planning Framework sets expectations for integrated care boards (ICBs) and trusts to improve access, experience and outcomes for ADHD services over the next three years, with a focus on quality and productivity.
– NHS England will review the Taskforce’s final recommendations with government colleagues and continue progressing wider work to support local teams.
Key recommendations in the Taskforce report
– Recognise ADHD as a common condition and adopt new diagnostic models to reduce waiting lists.
– Increase training for professionals across healthcare, including GPs, so they can better recognise symptoms and play an appropriate role in assessment and treatment.
– Strengthen cross‑government collaboration across health, education, employment and criminal justice to provide joined‑up support.
– Make greater use of digital tools and data to help services work more efficiently with patients.
Leadership responses
– Dr Adrian James, NHS England’s medical director for mental health and neurodiversity, thanked contributors and said NHS England is committed to keeping the voices of people with ADHD and their families central to supporting local teams to improve services.
– Professor Anita Thapar, Chair of the Taskforce, acknowledged contributions from people with ADHD, families, clinicians and researchers and said the report is an important step that will require action across government and society.
– Health Minister Zubir Ahmed thanked the Taskforce and committed to reviewing its recommendations as part of work to prioritise early intervention under the 10 Year Health Plan.
Taskforce structure
The cross‑sector ADHD Taskforce was launched last year by NHS England with government partners. It was chaired by Professor Thapar and supported by three expert groups:
– Experts by Experience (people with ADHD and those supporting them)
– Experts in Evidence (leading ADHD researchers)
– Clinical Reference Group (senior clinicians with NHS ADHD care experience)
Existing NHS England activity
– The Partnership for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS), delivered with the Department for Education, helps teachers better identify and support neurodivergent pupils and their families. By March 2026, six in ten pupils will have access to a Mental Health Support Team in school.
– NHS England has published the first publicly available reporting on ADHD referrals and waiting times to help local teams track performance and improve care.
– Local areas are being supported to trial new and innovative delivery models for ADHD services.
NHS England will continue to work with government departments, local systems and people with lived experience to review and act on the Taskforce’s recommendations, building on progress already made to improve ADHD care nationally.
