Adults in Oxfordshire awaiting an autism diagnosis could face delays of up to 18 years, as the county's main diagnostic service struggles to cope with demand. The Oxfordshire Adult Autism Diagnostic and Support Service (OAADSS) has stopped accepting new referrals since November due to an overwhelming backlog.
Documents reveal that individuals referred after July 2023 may not receive an assessment until 2041. Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB), which oversees the service, has stated it is working to address the delays. Families impacted by the situation have expressed frustration, with one mother, Sarah, sharing how her 19-year-old son’s referral was halted almost immediately due to the closure of the waiting list.
Others, like Hayley from Oxford, have sought alternatives. Her brother faces a seven-year wait for an assessment, prompting her to explore private options via the NHS Right to Choose policy, which allows GPs to refer patients for privately funded assessments covered by the NHS. Hayley highlighted the importance of timely diagnoses, describing knowledge as empowering for those with autism.
BOB ICB acknowledged that demand for autism assessments has risen sharply, driven by greater awareness of the condition. The board stated it is working with OAADSS to find solutions, but families continue to face long waits and uncertainty about the future of local services.
