Autism, ADHD and mental health review: What you need to know
A major NHS review suggests that while there is evidence of over-diagnosis for ADHD and autism in children, the data remains inconclusive at scale. The report calls for a rethink of support systems, warning against medicalizing normal human variations in behavior.
Why it matters
The findings could lead to significant changes in how the NHS manages mental health services, school support, and benefits for neurodivergent individuals.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The review looks at NHS waiting times and whether young people are being over-diagnosed.
Health correspondent Published 28 minutes ago It has been called a "generational opportunity" to rethink support for both mental health conditions and ADHD and autism.
The review, commissioned by then-health secretary Wes Streeting 10 months ago after saying young people were being "over-diagnosed" and "written off", could have major implications for NHS services, the benefits system, schools and employment support.
Its 600-plus pages , external contain a host of conclusions and recommendations. Here are the key takeaways.
The report is clear that there is an increasing risk of over-diagnosis, but only when it comes to ADHD and autism.
Experts said a rise in diagnoses over the past 25 years meant cases now appear to be outstripping the expected number in the population for some younger age groups.
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