Autism, ADHD and mental health review: What you need to know
Summary
A government review looked at how autism, ADHD, and mental health issues are diagnosed and supported in young people in the UK. It found concerns about too many autism and ADHD diagnoses but said mental health problems are increasing and real. The review also said that support systems like the NHS and schools are not meeting young people’s needs well.Key Facts
- The review was commissioned 10 months ago by then-health secretary Wes Streeting.
- Autism diagnoses in children aged 6 to 17 have risen to over 4%, higher than the estimated 1-2% true level.
- Data on autism rates are old and incomplete, so the review could not confirm large-scale over-diagnosis.
- Mental health problems in 16 to 24-year-olds have increased from 1 in 6 to 1 in 4 in the last 30 years.
- Serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia have not increased, but anxiety, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders have.
- Diagnosis can sometimes limit young people by focusing on difficulties instead of their strengths.
- Many young people with ADHD or autism are not in education, employment, or training, showing a need for better support.
- Waiting times for assessments and treatments in the NHS are too long, and support after diagnosis is inadequate in schools and workplaces.
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