NHS care for those who are Neurodivergent is currently not fit for purpose.

Waiting lists for the diagnosis of ADHD and Autism are often measured in years rather than months.

Awareness of Neurodiversity has soared.

There is no evidence that prevalence has changed.

Too often the debate focusses on whether diagnostic thresholds have dropped rather than addressing the need.

Our understanding of the high and expense and impact of untreated ADHD continues to grow.

There is minimal ring-fenced funding for Neurodiversity in general and ADHD in particular.

This is despite strong evidence that ADHD is effectively the most treatable condition in Psychiatry. The cost of untreated ADHD is considerable; for the individual, the healthcare sector and society.  The paradox is that this very common, treatable condition, which is expensive when untreated, remains woefully under-resourced.

There are too few Psychiatrists experienced in Neurodiversity (and too few overall).

There are too few GPs experienced in Neurodiversity.

Some GPs with experience can’t get employed in the Neurodiversity setting because Psychiatry led services often don’t realise the value some GPs would add to their multidisciplinary team and there has been a lack of clarity about what qualifications and experience constitute a GP with Extended Role.

For those who seek private care, there can be difficulties getting their diagnosis accepted by the NHS and in arranging shared care between a private healthcare professional and a GP, to access NHS prescriptions.

As GPs, some of whom also work in both NHS and private ADHD clinics, we understand these issues from both sides and envisage ourselves playing a key part of improving patient services.