The UK Government launched a new report today, following an independent review on the prevalence of mental health conditions, autism and ADHD. The review investigates rising demand and increased waiting lists for diagnosis and support.

The report highlights that the system is failing. It largely rejects the claims of overdiagnosis, and recommends a move to a needs-led integrated mental health and neurodiversity system.

But there are a lot of recommendations which will take time and money to deliver. These recommendations will now be picked up as part of the government’s upcoming mental health strategy.

Three things are clear from the report:

1. Autism is not overdiagnosed 

   The rise in autism diagnoses is not a bad thing. More diagnoses doesn't mean overdiagnosis.  Overdiagnosis refers to the correct diagnosis of a condition that would have been unlikely to cause symptoms. Although the review uses different definitions. We don’t have the data to make this claim for autism. Claims of overdiagnosis without evidence are harmful and stigmatising and must stop. Instead, the report rightly focuses on getting people the help they need. We hope this moves us all away from stigmatising autistic people and gets us closer to supporting them.

    

2. The system has failed, not autistic people 

   Diagnosis is vital, but so is support and too many have simply been going without. This report marks an opportunity to change this. Autistic people are not just waiting for a diagnosis. They are waiting for understanding, guidance and practical support. Diagnosis helps people to understand themselves and make sense of their experiences. But we agree with the review that it shouldn’t be the only gateway to support. The shift to a needs-led system should focus on what people can do, what they need help with, and commit to getting them that help. Whether about work, education, meeting their needs in a social care setting or at home, or getting support through the NHS. 

    

3. Our focus must now be on getting autistic people the support they need 

   Reviewing the help given to those on long waiting lists can’t mean blocking people from getting assessments. The approach outlined in the report should mean getting earlier support to people. The government needs to make sure this work doesn’t lead to rationing of care, or people who have already been clinically assessed losing their place on waiting lists.

“Today’s report explores the reasons for a rise in distress, growing numbers of unmet needs, and more people seeking support. It is damning of the systems which have failed to support autistic people. And it concludes that there is no evidence to suggest overdiagnosis at scale. 

Autistic people want to work and have relationships. Autistic children and young people want to learn. They deserve access to support that they might need. But support too often arrives years too late for autistic people, and long waits for assessment cause real harm. People should be able to access timely diagnostic assessments and support that reflects their individual needs, including specialist provision for those who need it throughout life. 

We want to see better tracking of outcomes so that we can understand what support is working and what isn't, and we'd expect autistic people to be involved in the development of any new policies, guidance or services. 

We must now ensure that NHS teams have the resources to support those referred for an assessment while they wait, and that schools, employers, social care teams, charities, and community groups are all equipped to deliver the help people need."