Important Changes to Autism and ADHD Waiting Lists – Information for Families
Sirona Care & Health will shortly begin writing to families across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire about changes to local Autism and ADHD pathways.
We know that many families have been waiting a long time for assessments and that receiving one of these letters may raise questions and concerns.
We’re Listening
If you have received a letter, please tell us your thoughts through our quick survey
➡️how will this news impact your family
➡️ how clear and supportive was the letter for you.
➡️Please tell us the good and the bad.
This will help our Parent Voice team to continue to represent your voices.
Save the Date: Changes to Autism and ADHD support in South Glos – 16th September 2026 7pm
Join Sirona Care and Health to learn about changes to the local Autism and ADHD pathways and waiting lists.
We will explain what is changing, what it means for families and how children and young people will be able to access support earlier.
Further details and the booking link for this Information Session will be shared soon. Please keep an eye on our website, social media and end of term newsletter.
What’s changed
Some children and young people currently waiting for an Autism assessment will be offered the opportunity to move to a new needs-led support pathway delivered by Healios.
The aim of the new pathway is to help children and young people access support sooner by focusing on understanding their strengths, needs and differences rather than waiting years for an assessment before support begins.
Families who receive these letters will have options available to them, including:
• Moving to the Healios needs-led support pathway
• Remaining on the Sirona Autism waiting list
• Exploring Right to Choose through an alternative NHS-funded provider
Your letter should provide details about these options and advise you how to take the next step and when to do this by.
If you would like to your child or young person to remain on the waiting list for a diagnostic assessment, please check your letter for details of how to do this and for any deadlines that this needs to be completed by. .
Will this affect my family?
Not all families will be affected by these changes.
Many children and young people waiting for ADHD assessments, or on prioritised pathways, will remain on existing waiting lists and will receive information confirming there is no change to their current position.
Will Autism and ADHD assessments still happen? Yes. Sirona has confirmed that Autism and ADHD assessments will continue to be available where needed.
The new pathway is intended to provide earlier support and understanding of a child's needs. In some cases, Healios may recommend or offer an Autism assessment as part of the process.
Where can I find support?
May 2026