Addressing Growing Demand for ADHD and ASD Assessments
In response to the increasing need for ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessments, Psicon has partnered with Multi-Health Systems Inc (MHS) to improve its referral and assessment workflows. This collaboration aims to enhance access to care while maintaining clinical quality.
Rising Referral Statistics
- According to NHS statistics, there was a 5.5% increase in new ADHD referrals in June 2025 compared to the previous year.
- Approximately 668,370 adults and children in England are currently awaiting assessment.
- About two-thirds of adults and 60% of children are experiencing wait times exceeding one year.
- ASD referrals have also surged, with an 11.9% increase reported between June 2024 and June 2025.
Psicon’s Response to Challenges
As one of the UKโs largest providers of neurodevelopmental diagnostic assessments, Psicon faced the challenge of expanding access to behavioral health services without sacrificing quality. To tackle this, they collaborated with MHS to redesign workflows and automate the assessment process.
Impact of the Digital Transformation
During a Digital Health webinar in September 2025, Louise Simpson, director of operations at Psicon, shared the positive outcomes of the digital project:
- Psicon is now managing 5,000 referrals per month, a significant increase from 250 referrals previously.
- Over 40,000 patients have benefited from the new system.
- More than 20,000 admin hours have been saved in a year, equivalent to around 11 full-time administrators.
Streamlined Patient Experience
Patients referred online by their GP receive immediate acknowledgment and screening links, with the ability to upload necessary information and move to clinical triage on the same day. This process, which previously took months, has been significantly expedited.
Enhanced Assessment Tools
Psicon’s solution incorporates scientifically validated rating scales from MHS, such as Conners 4ยฎ, ensuring reliable results. The intake process helps determine the likelihood of an ADHD or ASD diagnosis, providing reassurance to patients and optimizing NHS resource use.
Future Developments
New workflows are being developed to gather additional clinical information for individuals without access to reliable observers, such as home-educated children or adults lacking family support. This approach aims to ensure that no one is excluded from receiving an assessment.
Conclusion
Simpson advises other providers to focus on quality and find partners that align with their vision. The collaboration with MHS has proven to be a cohesive and effective relationship, bringing hope and improved outcomes for patients.