Radical rethink needed for mental health, ADHD and autism support, experts say
University of Leicester
Leicester health experts say radical reform is needed to develop a new model of support for mental health and neurodevelopmental support.
They say that change is needed to address “unacceptable waiting times” for diagnosis while developing the right systems for support.
The comments form part of a new independent review published by the Department of Health and Social Care earlier this month, called the Independent review into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism.
The review examines changes in prevalence, need and demand; factors influencing them; benefits and risks of diagnosis; and how well current services respond.
Dr Sam Tromans, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Dr Zoe Morgan, Research Psychologist, both from the University of Leicester’s Department of Population Health Sciences contributed to the review.
Dr Tromans said: “Recognition of ADHD and autism has risen substantially, and hundreds of thousands of people are now waiting for diagnostic assessment, with many struggling to get support. These pressures sit among the wider challenge of mental ill health, which is estimated to cost England around £300 billion each year.
“Our own research illustrates how rapidly the landscape is changing. In a study of nearly six million GP Patient Survey responses, we found that the proportion of adults self-reporting as autistic rose from 0.9% in 2018 to 2.6% in 2025. The reasons for this increase are likely to be complex, potentially including greater awareness and recognition of autism, and further research is needed to understand what is driving this change.
“Addressing growing levels of need and demand will require a comprehensive approach to prevention and well-being, alongside improvements to mental health and neurodevelopmental care within and beyond the NHS. Too often, people must obtain a diagnosis before they can access the support they need, and this needs to change.”
Dr Sam Tromans and Dr Zoe Morgan
The report sets out 10 recommendations relating to prevention, earlier support, improved care and longer-term reform:
1. Prevent mental health problems earlier
Invest more in prevention, early help and community support to improve mental wellbeing before problems become more serious.2. Give people help based on their needs, not just a diagnosis
People should be assessed and prioritised according to the difficulties they are experiencing, rather than having to wait for an ADHD, autism or mental health diagnosis before receiving support.3. Make mental health and neurodevelopmental care easier to access and more joined-up
Bring services together so people can get the right assessment and support locally, with smoother care from childhood into adulthood.4. Strengthen specialist care for people with the greatest needs
Invest in specialist, crisis and hospital services, while widening access to proven treatments and ensuring medicines are regularly reviewed.5. Overhaul how ADHD, autism and mental health services are run
Integrate services, introduce more consistent standards and regulation, and bring all ADHD and autism diagnostic assessments under Care Quality Commission regulation.6. Build and train a more joined-up workforce
Equip health, education, social care and voluntary sector staff to work together and better understand mental health and neurodevelopmental needs.7. Make greater use of digital technology and AI, without replacing face-to-face care
Use technology and AI to help assess needs, prioritise care and provide digital treatments and information, while keeping in-person support available.8. Improve the evidence on mental health, ADHD and autism
Collect better and more regular national data to understand how common conditions are, identify inequalities and improve services and policy.9. Help the public better understand mental health, ADHD and autism
Launch a national information campaign and trusted digital resource offering reliable advice and support, including help that does not require a diagnosis.10. Create a long-term national mental health plan
Publish a cross-government strategy setting out immediate action over the next 12 to 24 months and a 10-year plan for reform.
Dr Morgan said: “The review calls for a major shift towards giving people support based on their needs rather than waiting for a diagnosis. Its recommendations include earlier mental health support, more joined-up ADHD, autism and mental health services, stronger specialist care, better trained staff and greater use of AI and digital technology. It also calls for tighter regulation of assessments, better national data, a public information campaign and a 10-year government mental health strategy, all of which we believe are achievable if the Government takes stronger governance of mental health and neurodevelopmental support and invests appropriately.”