A major review has raised concerns that Britain may be harming a generation of children by over-diagnosing ADHD and autism. The report indicates that parents are incentivized to seek diagnoses due to pressures from schools and welfare systems that reward such labels. Additionally, social media influences have led to the misinterpretation of common traits as symptoms of these conditions.
The review, commissioned by the government, found that while autism diagnosis rates have increased significantly, there is no evidence of a corresponding rise in the actual number of autistic children. Professor Peter Fonagy, a clinical psychologist involved in the review, expressed concerns regarding the quality and consistency of assessments conducted by private providers, which have become more prevalent as the NHS faces increased demand. More than half of NHS-funded ADHD assessments and a third of autism assessments are now conducted by private firms, which are poorly regulated and allowed to market their services directly.
A survey of general practitioners indicated that many had never seen a private provider reject a diagnosis request. Professor Fonagy described misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis as potentially harmful, as they may lead to unnecessary treatments and lower expectations for children's achievements. His report notes that children diagnosed with ADHD before the age of 17 are approximately four times less likely to be in education, employment, or training in early adulthood, costing taxpayers an estimated £244,000 per individual over their lifetime.
Helen Whately, a spokesperson for the Conservative Party on work and pensions, criticized the trend of defining individuals by their diagnoses, stating that it can lead to a focus on limitations rather than potential. She noted that sickness benefit claims have doubled since 2019, despite no significant increase in the overall health issues of the population.
Professor Sir Simon Wessely, vice-chairman of the review, warned that a diagnosis could limit opportunities and define individuals by their difficulties rather than their strengths. Professor Fonagy concluded that the current model of care requires significant reform, advocating for a shift from a diagnosis-dependent system to one that focuses on individual needs, allowing children to receive support while assessments are ongoing.
The report highlighted that the rise in autism and ADHD diagnoses cannot solely be attributed to previously overlooked children seeking assessments. It noted a dramatic increase in recorded autism prevalence among children aged six to 11, rising from 0.24% in 2000 to 4.58% in 2025, and among those aged 12 to 17, from 0.10% to 4.06%. However, the estimated prevalence of autism among young people remains around 1.2%.
Monthly referrals for ADHD assessments have more than tripled, from approximately 5,000 in 2019 to around 17,000 in 2024, with open referrals expected to exceed 560,000 by the end of 2025. The review emphasized that there is no biological test for ADHD or autism, and diagnoses are based on assessments of difficulties, developmental history, and functional impairment.
Professor Fonagy remarked on the increased pressures faced by young people today, stating that the abundance of digital voices complicates their developmental process. Health Secretary Yvette Cooper announced plans to enhance oversight of mental health services, ensuring that all diagnostic assessments for ADHD and autism will be regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to guarantee quality and prevent overcharging by private providers.