The charity slammed the decision as ‘morally and economically wrong'.

A charity spokesperson said: ‘Coventry and Warwickshire ICB are out on a limb. They've made a unilateral decision to deprive NICE-recommended healthcare to a disability group based on age and are the only ICB to have made this choice.'

ADHD UK said it was planning a legal challenge to change the decision, adding: ‘We expect this policy to disproportionately impact women, as girls are more likely to be missed in schools and then come forward in adulthood for a diagnosis and support.'

The charity said the decision amounted to a ban on anyone who needed ADHD medication from moving to Coventry and Warwickshire.

‘It deprives them of job opportunities, studying opportunities, moving for love or just because they love the area,' a spokesperson said.

Dr Imogen Staveley, chief medical officer at NHS Coventry and Warwickshire ICB, said: ‘To address the unacceptable ADHD assessment waiting times, currently affecting over 7,500 children in Coventry and Warwickshire, the ICB has introduced an emergency policy prioritising referrals for those under 25. This temporary measure will help reduce the backlog of children currently waiting up to 10 years for assessment and support the development of a sustainable, all-age ADHD pathway for the future.'