To ask the Minister of Health to detail any plans to develop an ADHD strategy, similar to the Autism Strategy.

Provision of service for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessment and diagnosis has grown organically across Trusts in response to population demand and available expertise within Health & Social Care teams. Whilst a level of provision is available for ADHD referrals there are currently no specifically commissioned services. The Department is aware that this has led to inconsistencies in provision between Trusts and inconsistent pathways and service gaps.

The Department is committed to working closely and collaboratively with Health and Social Care Trusts to develop innovative, cost effective, co-produced, quality, and evidenced based services that can meet NICE compliant pathways for ADHD diagnosis and support. In line with the usual process for commissioning services, any decision to commission ADHD services in the future will be based on an assessment of the level of demand for services, and in the context of future budget availability.

Department of Health officials are now considering how best to progress the issue, in discussion with relevant stakeholders. Subject to future budget availability, potential next steps include the commissioning of research/analysis of adult ADHD demand to inform options for future commissioning strategies, as well as a regional workshop to explore potential ways forward.