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Nearly £14 million will be spent on tackling waiting times for autism and ADHD assessments in Wales.

Demand for services has increased in recent years due to increased awareness, according to the Welsh Government – with thousands of people seeking assessments and support.

The £13.7m funding will go towards the National Neurodivergence Improvement Programme over the next two years.

It is on top of the £12m already invested over the last three years, as well as the £3m funding last November, which went towards reducing the longest waiting times for children’s assessments.

Sarah Murphy, Wales’ mental health and wellbeing minister, announced the extra funding ahead of Children’s Mental Health Week, which began on Monday February 3.

“We know radical change is needed in this sector and we are working with the NHS and services to improve long-term support for neurodivergent children, adults and their families,” Ms Murphy said.

“In the face of unprecedented demand for both diagnosis and treatment, we have made significant progress in developing integrated services.

“This further investment will help reduce assessment waiting times while ensuring sustainable support is available for those who need it.”

Ms Murphy added: “Our focus is on creating a needs-led approach that provides early help and support, while working to reduce waiting times.”

The funding has been welcomed by Caerphilly’s Labour MS Hefin David, who said the issue is “something that is very close to my heart.”

Dr David, whose daughter is autistic, continued: “Demand for these services has grown a great deal over the years. It can be a stressful process for people going through the system, without the concerns of waiting times too.

“This funding will help ensure people in Wales get the support they need faster, and that is very welcome”.