ADHD, autism review urges overhaul after over-diagnosis, waitlist — SkimNews
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- Wes Streeting commissioned a 600-page review into autism, ADHD, and mental health after raising concerns youth were being over-diagnosed and written off, prompting a sweeping assessment of support systems.
- The review team found autism diagnoses in children aged six to 17 exceed expected population levels at over 4%, compared to the estimated true prevalence of 1-2%, signaling potential over-diagnosis.
- Prof Peter Fonagy, chair of the review, rejected claims of mental health over-diagnosis, stating one in four 16- to 24-year-olds now experience mental distress—up from one in six 30 years ago.
- NHS services face systemic strain, with a third of youth mental health referrals waiting over a year and 90% of the 900,000 ADHD/autism assessment waiters delayed beyond three months.
- Private sector providers conduct half of ADHD and a third of autism assessments for the NHS but operate under looser regulation, prompting the review to demand stricter oversight and a ban on direct-to-public advertising.
- The review calls for immediate action within 12 to 24 months, including reassessing waiting lists to prioritize urgent cases and expanding non-medical support like sleep and exercise guidance.
Why it matters: With 900,000 people awaiting ADHD or autism assessments and rising youth mental distress, delayed care risks long-term exclusion from education and work—making systemic reform urgent. The government’s upcoming mental health strategy must act on the review’s timeline or deepen existing inequities.
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