Autism, ADHD and mental health review: What you need to know

Key Points:

• A review commissioned by former health secretary Wes Streeting highlights a potential over-diagnosis of ADHD and autism in young people, with diagnoses among children aged six to 17 exceeding expected population levels, though data limitations prevent firm conclusions.
• The report stresses that mental health conditions are not over-diagnosed; in fact, mental distress has increased significantly among young people, attributed to economic uncertainty, social media, and reduced youth services, while rates of severe mental illnesses remain stable.
• Current support systems for mental health, ADHD, and autism are deemed inadequate, with long waiting times for assessments and fragmented services across healthcare, education, employment, and welfare sectors.
• The review recommends prioritizing reassessments for those on waiting lists, improving the quality and consistency of assessments—especially those conducted by private providers—and providing non-medical support options where appropriate.
• The government has committed to responding to the review's findings, with further details expected in its upcoming mental health strategy later this year.