Autism and ADHD Redesign Programme – ICB Update April 2026

We wanted to share an update on the work taking place to improve Autism and ADHD services across Birmingham and Solihull. Over the past month, partners across health and local authorities have continued working together behind the scenes to make the assessment pathway easier to understand and more consistent for families.

This update is particularly important for families who are considering, or are waiting for, an autism or ADHD assessment.

A key focus right now is improving the Right to Choose process. Right to Choose allows families to select certain independent organisations for an autism or ADHD assessment. Many parents and carers have told us that this process can feel confusing, so work is underway to make the options clearer, the information more reliable, and the overall experience more supportive.

How the Right to Choose process is being improved

A new process is being developed to make sure that any organisation offering autism or ADHD assessments through Right to Choose meets the same agreed standards through accreditation.

Accreditation means that organisations will only be listed as a locally approved option if they meet a clear set of quality standards. This helps ensure that:

• Assessments are safe and reliable
• Staff have the right skills, training and experience
• Families receive clear and timely communication
• Assessment reports follow national guidance and expectations
• Assessments are recognised by local NHS services

What difference will families notice?

Once these changes are in place, families should benefit from:

• Clearer information – families will be able to see which organisations meet the agreed standards and what each one offers.
• More confidence in choosing a provider – all accredited providers will meet the same expectations for quality and safety.
• Reassurance that assessment reports will be accepted – accredited assessments will follow a consistent approach, helping reduce uncertainty about whether reports will be recognised locally.
• A fairer and more consistent experience – families can expect the same level of quality and support, whichever accredited provider they choose.

Continuing to work with parents and carers

Parents and carers will continue to play a significant role in this work. Together we will co-produce:

• Simple and accessible information explaining how Right to Choose works
• Guidance to help families make a choice that feels right for them
• Clear Frequently Asked Questions covering what to expect before, during and after referral

We hope to be able to share information about the first accredited assessment providers towards the end of the summer term. This information will be published on the Local Offer as soon as it becomes available.