NHS officials say referrals in Norfolk and Waveney shot up to 5,719 in 2024, compared to 2,795 in 2021, as parents and teachers seek diagnoses that might help their children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support.

Such is the surge in demand that some youngsters are waiting more than six years for a diagnosis from healthcare professionals - almost half their time spent in education.

The findings will raise questions over what has prompted the huge spike in demand for assessments and whether the conditions are becoming more common.

Some experts believe the increase is actually down to greater awareness about the conditions, and parents and teachers being keen to get their children as much help as possible.

They have also suggested the suspension of some services during the pandemic could have contributed to the backlog for referrals.

However, some experts have suggested the conditions have become overdiagnosed.

The dramatic figures underline the huge pressure on Norfolk County Council finances, because a diagnosis for autism or ADHD may make it more likely for a child to be entitled to extra SEND support, which the authority is legally required to provide.

However, council leaders are keen to stress, while diagnoses are important, children can get support without them, based on their needs.

Alice Macdonald, Norwich North MP (Image: Denise Bradey)

A new report compiled by Norwich North Labour MP Alice Macdonald has highlighted the delays and sparked fresh calls for the government to reform a "broken system".

Children are waiting years for autism and ADHD diagnoses (Image: Press Association)

Norfolk County Council is already issuing more Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) - legal documents setting out support such as one-to-one-teaching and equipment -

© Norwich Evening News