Recently there has been significant news coverage of the Govt review into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism, with a suggestion that there is an issue with overdiagnosis.
This can be a distressing and confusing for Parent Carers to hear, especially if they are concerned about the wellbeing of their child and looking for ways to support them.
PACC has worked with the local system for many years looking at how the referral process for both Autism and ADHD assessment works. We know how rigorous this process is and how much supporting evidence has to be provided with a referral. We believe that in Shropshire, the high rate of assessments that result in a diagnosis is a reflection of this and does not indicate an issue with overdiagnosis. The report of the ADHD Taskforce published in June 25 also does not support the narrative of overdiagnosis
The Review will focus on mental health conditions, ADHD and autism and will cover, children, young people and adults. It will explore;
- the similarities and differences between mental health conditions, ADHD and autism regarding prevalence, drivers, early intervention and treatment
- the co-occurrence of these conditions
- the inequalities in prevalence, access and experience
- the current challenges facing clinical services
- the current extent to which diagnosis, medicalisation and treatment improve outcomes
- the differences between the levels of need and disorder for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism
- the role that medicalisation of mental health conditions, ADHD and autism plays, including the associated risks and benefits
- the role and effectiveness of short versus long-term interventions to support recovery and/or improve quality of life
Further information about the review can be found here
The Review terms of reference states it “will work closely with people with lived experience of mental health conditions, ADHD and autism across different age groups, including young people, and reflect under-represented groups.
It will also consult closely with parents and carers, key partners, and wider clinical and academic experts in mental health conditions, ADHD and autism as appropriate.”
PACC will share more information about the Review and how Parent Carers can contribute as it becomes available.
A number of national organisations have responded to the announcement of the Review, which you can read on the links below
You can read a Frequently Asked Question information sheet about the Shropshire BeeU Neuro Developmental Service, which offers Autism and ADHD assessments for children and young people (5-18yrs) here.