Disabled children hardest hit by record health service waits
2 mins read
Tuesday 27 January 2026
Waiting times for children’s community health services have hit record highs, according to latest NHS data, with tens of thousands of disabled children waiting for therapy and diagnostic assessments.
Around 300,000 children are now on community health waiting lists. More than 77,500 have been waiting over a year – a six‑fold increase since the start of 2023.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health described the long waits as “catastrophic”. And it says these delays are undermining early intervention with children who have developmental needs.
Children and those with complex needs most impacted
Many of the children waiting the longest have complex needs, including learning disabilities, physical disabilities, autism, ADHD, and developmental language disorders.
Analysis by the BBC shows stark inequalities between children and adults:
- 26% of children on community waiting lists have been waiting more than a year.
- Only 1% of adults face waits that long
Impact on education, development and family life
Amanda Elliot, Contact’s health lead, said long waits for community health services had a knock-one effect across every part of a disabled child’s life.
“Contact sees firsthand the impact these delays have on children and their families. They are desperate for support.
“These delays mean children are missing out on early intervention and support. Many will never catch up. They are fueling rising school absences and mental health difficulties as many children are being left to struggle in school without the support they need.
“Meanwhile families are reaching crisis point. The children’s health workforce needs significant and urgent investment to bringing it into line with investment in adult services.”
What is happening to address waiting times?
The Department of Health and Social Care agreed the waiting times were “unacceptable”.
Officials told the BBC that they are planning a new 18-week wait target for community health services and bringing in more staff and digital changes under the NHS Plan.
The Government is also hoping Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) adopting the NHS ‘neighbourhood’ models of care will bring services closer to families.
