Brief
UK review warns of possible over‑diagnosis of ADHD and autism
The report highlights long assessment waits and calls for tighter regulation of diagnoses.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A government‑commissioned review released on 8 October warned that the United Kingdom could be shifting from under‑diagnosis to over‑diagnosis of ADHD and autism, amid rising diagnosis rates and lengthy assessment waits.
What happened
The review notes that more than 4% of children aged six to 17 are now recorded as autistic, well above the 1‑2% prevalence suggested by earlier studies. It also points to increasing numbers of ADHD diagnoses, though exact figures are not provided.
What the report adds
BBC reporting says the data underpinning the 4% figure are up to a decade old, making it impossible to confirm current over‑diagnosis at scale. The report stresses that not every difficulty requires a medical label and warns against blurring the line between neurodevelopmental conditions and normal variation in brain function.
What was said
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper said, "Professor Fonagy's review has shown the importance of early intervention to address mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions and the huge distress these can cause." Mel Merritt of the National Autistic Society said successive governments have failed autistic people, while Abigail Ampofo of YoungMinds warned that young people feel blamed for their mental health and need systemic reform.
How it came about
The review follows years of advocacy from families like the Watsons, who endured a three‑year wait for an autism assessment for their son Atlas, now seven and non‑verbal. The government says the findings will shape a new mental‑health strategy expected before the end of the year and will lead to tougher regulation of ADHD and autism assessments.
Key facts
- More than 4% of UK children aged 6‑17 are recorded as autistic, above the 1‑2% prevalence suggested by earlier studies. (bbc.co.uk)
- The review warns the UK may be moving from under‑diagnosis to over‑diagnosis of ADHD and autism. (bbc.co.uk)
- Health Secretary Yvette Cooper said the review highlights the importance of early intervention for neurodevelopmental conditions. (bbc.co.uk)
- The government plans a new mental‑health strategy before the end of 2026 and tighter regulation of assessments. (bbc.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] bbc.co.uk — originally reported as “ADHD and autism at risk of over-diagnosis, says government review”
