ADHD and autism at risk of over-diagnosis, says government review
The review says support should start before diagnosis and warns private assessments need tighter oversight as 560,000 people wait for ADHD checks.
- On Friday, a major government-ordered review led by Professor Peter Fonagy urged that children receive ADHD and autism support based on need rather than formal diagnosis, calling for "radical reform" to ease the system's "immense strain."
- Waiting lists for ADHD assessments hit 560,000 by December 2025, more than 17 times the 2019 level, prompting the review and revealing that the current system "falls short" of patient needs.
- Private ADHD provision costs have risen by around 252% in three years, yet lack consistent oversight or quality assurance, the authors said, warning of an "increased risk of misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis."
- Health Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed the government will set out its response in a new Mental Health Strategy before year-end, including reassessment of waiting lists to prioritize highest-need cases.
- Integrating support into schools and community hubs will provide early intervention, moving away from the "diagnosis-dependent system" that historically served as the sole gateway for young people seeking NHS help.
35 Articles
35 Articles
Our broken NHS is dooming a generation of young Britons to a life on benefits - Nigel Nelson
I went to a party over the weekend where I got chatting to three teachers. They brought the Government-commissioned review by clinical psychologist Peter Fonagy to painful life.They talked of students with multiple needs which must be met before they could even begin to be educated. The challenges the youngsters faced were both complex and expensive to deal with.But if the teachers had the proper resources to help, it would be cheaper for the pu…
Rush to Diagnose ADHD and Autism is Damaging Children, Major Review Warns
Britain risks harming a generation of children by over-diagnosing ADHD and autism, a major review has warned, with autism diagnosis rates soaring by up to 40-fold despite no evidence of a genuine increase in prevalence.
The Conversation
Western Morning NewsAutism and ADHD: people need support before diagnosis, but getting one can change their lives
For some adults, receiving an autism or ADHD diagnosis can transform how they understand themselves, but finding appropriate mental health support can remain difficult. VH-studio/Shutterstock I hated myself so much…and now I love myself. I’m not perfect. But I’ve accepted myself now. That was how one person described the impact of receiving an autism and ADHD diagnosis when my colleagues and I interviewed them about their mental health. For this…
5 Takeaways From The UK Government Report On Rises In ADHD And Autism
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