Child referrals for autism diagnosis rise 50% in a year

By the Editorial Team · Monday, June 29, 2026

Over one million children in England were referred to or treated by mental health services in the past year, with demand for autism and neurodevelopmental assessments sharply increasing. This surge has stretched service capacity, leaving many children untreated or on waiting lists and prompting calls for urgent reform and greater government focus on child mental health.

More than one million children in England—approximately one in ten—were referred to, waiting for, or receiving treatment from mental health services over the past year, according to data outlined in the annual report by Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza. The figures mark a substantial increase in demand for child and adolescent mental health support, nearly doubling since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report reveals a 50 percent rise in referrals for suspected autism diagnoses, climbing from around 65,530 to over 96,000 within a single year leading up to March 2025. Similarly, referrals for other neurodevelopmental conditions increased by 24 percent. Anxiety remained the most common reason for referral, accounting for 16 percent of cases, and was identified as the leading cause behind the overall growing pressure on services.

Despite the surge in referrals, the report highlighted significant challenges in service capacity. Less than 20 percent of children referred for suspected autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions received treatment during the period, while approximately 35 percent remained on waiting lists at the end of March 2025. The expanding demand has outpaced the ability of health, education, and social care providers to respond effectively, underscoring the strain on existing mental health infrastructure.

Dame Rachel de Souza described the situation as a crisis, urging a coordinated approach across sectors to better support children’s mental health. She called for a “once in a generation” opportunity to transform services, emphasizing the need for the government’s mental health strategy to maintain a clear focus on children.

The reasons behind rising referral rates remain complex and multifaceted. A government review published earlier this year noted there is no single explanation for the increases in autism and ADHD referrals. It suggested that rising distress among young people is likely a contributing factor, but the upward trend reflects broader challenges in identifying and meeting the needs of this population.

Overall, the findings point to a growing demand for mental health services among children and young people in England, accompanied by ongoing concerns about capacity and timely access to care. Stakeholders continue to weigh potential responses to address both the immediate pressures and the systemic changes needed to meet the mental health needs of the younger generation.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.