Independent review into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism: Our response

The Government has released the final report from the Independent review into prevalence and support for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism.

Our full response.

Paul McGinnety, CEO at the North East Autism Society, said: “With hundreds of thousands of people across the country waiting months, if not years, for autism and ADHD assessments, the idea of moving towards a system that puts people’s needs above diagnoses is a welcome suggestion.

“Diagnosis has a place. It can be life-changing, necessary, or essential to understanding, but it should never be the barrier stopping someone from getting support when they need it most.

“So many people who are diagnosed later in life find it so impactful because they have been failed throughout their lives by a system that simply didn’t work for them. They were left on their own to blame themselves for years of distress, poor mental health, and societal failure, and it’s clear that we cannot continue with this flawed system.

“When we put human beings first, ahead of diagnoses or labels, we can create a society that works for everyone.

“But these changes won’t happen overnight, and care needs to be taken that people who cannot identify or speak for their needs are not left behind.

“To make this happen, we need long-term commitment from the Government across health, social care, education, and community services. We need to listen to individuals and their families, and make sure that neurodivergent people are seen, understood, and supported.”