More than 15,000 patients are waiting months for an autism diagnosis in the North East and north Cumbria, figures show.

A think tank has said a “radical rethink” of autism and ADHD assessments and treatments is needed if the NHS is to keep up with demand.

The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence has set a target time of 13 weeks for those with suspected autism to be assessed.

But figures from NHS England show around 17,870 people in the area covered by the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board had been waiting at least this long for an autism diagnosis at the end of 2023.

Of these, 50 per cent were under 18.

This was up from the same point a year before when 12,800 people were waiting for 13 weeks or longer, 56 per cent of them children.

An NHS spokesperson said: "The NHS is fully committed to supporting and improving the lives of those with ADHD and autism which is why we have published new national guidance to help local areas manage the 50 per cent increase in referrals they have seen."