National Autistic Society hits back at neurodivergence overdiagnosis claims in new report

The National Autistic Society (NAS) has said that a new report, which claims there is an ‘overdiagnosis’ of neurodivergence in young people, is “poorly evidenced” and “couldn’t be wider of the mark”.

Research by the right-wing think tank Policy Exchange said that mental ill health and neurodivergence in young people is stretching key public services to breaking point across health, education and welfare.

It adds that the costs of support across all three areas have spiralled to tens of billions each year, whilst young people struggle to access early help and those with the most severe needs lose out.

The report also says that one in five children in England is now reported to have special education needs and disability (SEND), and education, health and care plans have increased by 83%.

Figures cited by the report include:

• Since 2015, half of all schools’ spending has gone towards SEND, with costs projected to reach £11bn per year by 2024/25.
• The Child Disability Living Allowance is projected to reach £6.4bn by the end of the decade.
• Young people’s mental health now costs the NHS over £1bn a year.

It also points to statistics showing that the number of girls receiving ADHD medication increased by nine times between 2000 and 2018 as evidence that overdiagnosis was prevalent in the UK.

Report contains ill-thought-out ideas on neurodivergence

Tim Nicholls, Assistant Director of Policy, Research and Strategy at the National Autistic Society, said that the report gets only one thing right – the SEND system is failing children.

He adds: “Beyond that, it’s a litany of poorly evidenced claims and ill-thought-out ideas. Its sweeping assertions of overdiagnosis are just wrong and even the opinion evidence it cites conflicts. This is a time for good, well-reasoned thinking but this report couldn’t be wider of the mark. The SEND system is failing, but it’s not the fault of children and families seeking the support they need. We expect better and autistic children deserve better.”

The report calls for the current SEND system to be radically overhauled, with EHCPs only for students in special schools, and councils and professionals empowered to manage budgets and resources.

In a Foreword to the report Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, former Chancellor of the Exchequer and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said: “This new report from Policy Exchange is timely and prescient. It calls for nothing less than a fundamental re-evaluation of how we conceive and deliver support for our children and young people.

“It is to be welcomed in particular for its exploration of the interplay between NHS mental health services, the SEND system and the health and disability benefits system. By comparing these distinct yet linked systems, the authors illuminate the connections, incentives – and ultimately, the poor outcomes that too often stem from it.”

The Government is expected to publish a White Paper detailing how it will reform support for SEND in the autumn.

Alison Bloomer

Alison Bloomer is Editor of Learning Disability Today.

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