Extension of referrals until 31 March 2026 for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with no additional mental health diagnoses

Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) have agreed that LSCFT will continue to accept referrals for the un-commissioned children and young people's ADHD and ASD service for those with no additional mental health diagnosis until 31 March 2026. 
 
This follows the announcement in February that LSCFT was unable to continue to accept referrals for the un-commissioned ASD and ADHD pathways where no additional mental health diagnosis exists for children and young people. The ICB and LSCFT had agreed an extension until February 2026. This has now been extended to the end of March 2026. 

This extension of time will enable the ICB to work up a commissioned framework for ASD and ADHD.  
 
There has been no change to the commissioned mental health pathway for children and young people who have a mental health need and also require ADHD/ASD assessment and treatment.
 
The ICB will continue to engage with Parent Carer Forums across Lancashire and South Cumbria and through them, keep parents and carers updated. The ICB and LSCFT hope the announcement of this extension of time will be reassuring to families.
 
The ICB and the LSCFT remain committed to working in partnership and we look forward to achieving a sustainable commissioned and funded framework to meet the needs of children and young people requiring ADHD/ASD assessments and treatment where there is no additional mental health need.