Update on service plans for children and young people with 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) continue to work together to identify new arrangements for the un-commissioned children and young people's ADHD and ASD service for those with no additional mental health diagnosis.

We remain committed to providing the most suitable future sustainable model for our children and young people and their families and continue to recognise the long waits that young people are currently experiencing.

Update to autism referrals pathway - Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB have been working through arrangements to commission additional capacity to increase appointments for autism assessments and are now working to safely manage the transfer of the waiting lists.

Children and young people previously referred to LSCFT for autism assessment, who has not yet had their referral triaged or where triage information may have changed or require updating, will be transferred to Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (BTH) on 1 June 2026.This change is for school aged assessment of autism.

Update to ADHD referrals pathway – Existing referral processes for this pathway remain in place. An update will be provided in the coming months as these arrangements are finalised with all partners.

Referrers, GPs and schools and the families / carers of the children and young people affected are aware of these new arrangements.