05/10/2026
We're sharing this update from NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight for information and awareness.
As an impartial service, our role is to help families access information that may affect them. There are a number of questions and responses within the original post, including contributions from Hampshire Parent Carer Network, which provide additional detail about what these changes could mean for children, young people and families.
Please read the original post and comments to gain a fuller picture of the information being shared.
An update from the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (HIOW ICB).
They are introducing a new All-Age Autism and ADHD Single Point of Access (SPoA) and Triage Hub to provide a single, consistent route for autism and ADHD referrals across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, including North East Hampshire.
This new single point of access doesn't change the level or availability of formal diagnostic assessments.
The Hub will provide a single referral route to assessment for people who may be autistic, may have ADHD, or both. It will help ensure referrals are directed to the most appropriate local service or approved Right to Choose provider for assessment, support and, where applicable, medication.
From 1st October 2026, the pilot will support adult ADHD referrals only, across NHS and independent sector-commissioned and Right to Choose arrangements for assessment and medication.
From 1st November 2026, the service will expand to include children's ADHD referrals, together with adult and children's autism referrals.
The introduction of the Single Point of Access and Triage Hub means that the referral process for autism and ADHD diagnostic services will change.
Once the relevant services are live:
• New referrals for diagnosis should no longer be sent directly to autism or ADHD assessment providers.
• Referrals for diagnosis should be submitted through the Autism and ADHD Single Point of Access and Triage Hub.
• Referrals for diagnosis will be clinically reviewed to identify the most appropriate service, taking into account the individual's needs, circumstances and
applicable patient choice arrangements. Where appropriate, referrals will be allocated to an NHS or independent sector-commissioned provider or an
approved Right to Choose provider, in line with local commissioning arrangements and national Right to Choose requirements.
• Referrers will receive information about the outcome of the triage process, including whether normal or urgent prioritisation applies, and any next steps.
What happens to people already waiting?
Individuals who were referred for an autism or ADHD assessment, or who were already on a waiting list, before 1st October 2026 will remain with their existing service and will continue to be supported by their current provider.
Children and young people who are already known to a Neurodiversity Team within their local area should remain within their existing service and continue to be
supported through the established local arrangements. Parents and carers should continue to contact their local Neurodiversity Team for advice and guidance. The team will be able to consider the individual needs and circumstances of the child or young person and advise on the most appropriate route for assessment and support.
Children and young people who remain with their existing Neurodiversity Team do not need to be re-referred through the Single Point of Access and Triage Hub.
If new information becomes available, or if the needs or urgency of the referral change, parents and carers should continue to contact the Neurodiversity Team for advice.
