Healthwatch England response to the independent ADHD Taskforce's report

Response - 20 June 2025

The ADHD taskforce have today published the first part of their report. The final report will be available later this year.

Today, NHS England's attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) taskforce published its first report into ADHD support in England, which highlights where improvements to services can be made.

The ADHD taskforce was commissioned by NHS England in 2024, as part of a series of measures to address concerns about timely access to diagnosis and support, and the impact of unsupported ADHD on individuals, services and the wider economy.

This first part of the report lays out recommendations to be considered now and in the longer term.

Responding to the report's publication, Healthwatch England Chief Executive Louise Ansari said:

"We have been delighted to be a part of the ADHD taskforce. This interim report is a significant step forward in setting out clearly how to improve care for people living with ADHD.

"ADHD has a huge impact on people's lives. Their work, education and relationships can all suffer due to ADHD traits and lack of support. Receiving a timely assessment for ADHD, and support if diagnosed, can help to improve people's mental health, self-esteem, and their ability to work and study.

"The interim report aligns with our own work in this area and emphasises the need to provide more care in primary and community settings, as well as the need for more support for people enduring long waits for assessments."