A letter to The Guardian highlights that many patients receive autism or ADHD diagnoses without access to subsequent evidence-based treatment.
Key facts
- •Complaints regarding autism and ADHD care in England have risen by more than 200% over five years.
- •Patients are reportedly facing years-long wait times and are sometimes paying for private care when NHS services are unavailable.
- •The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends cognitive behavioural therapy for conditions that often accompany neurodevelopmental diagnoses.
- •The BABCP states that current system complexity often results in people being denied rights they are legally entitled to.
The British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) has responded to a recent parliamentary and health service ombudsman report regarding the state of autism and ADHD care in England. The association emphasizes that while complaints about care have more than tripled in five years, the system fails to provide necessary treatment pathways for those who successfully receive a diagnosis.
Treatment and workforce challenges
The BABCP notes that even when clinical guidelines recommend treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety and depression associated with neurodevelopmental conditions, workforce shortages prevent patients from receiving care. The association argues that a diagnosis is a hollow outcome when there is no attached evidence-based treatment pathway.
Future national approach
A forthcoming report by clinical psychologist Prof Peter Fonagy is expected to influence a new national approach to neurodivergent care. The BABCP urges that this report must address the entire patient journey, including recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support, while ensuring that services are staffed by clinicians with specialized training.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Guardian Health.
