Access to mental health services and support for children and adults with neurodiversity

The work helped to identify mental health needs and therefore research priorities across the region particularly in neurodivergent individuals who have a high prevalence of mental health problems.

Background

Service provision to meet local needs for diverse groups is fragmented and little is known on what local provisions and research priorities are and what evaluations are needed.

Project Aims

  • Identified mental health provision for neurodivergent children and adults in the East of England
  • Addressed barriers and facilitators to accessing the mental health support and interventions

Project Activity

The following activities were carried out:

  • Evidenced review on the barriers and facilitators of access to mental health in children and adults with ADHD
  • Qualitative analysis addressing access to mental health in adults and children with ADHD

Outputs

  • Qualitative interviews have been conducted with students, adults and parents to explore experiences of accessing mental health services in those with ADHD - work is ongoing
  • Quantitative survey addressing adults with ADHD access to mental health service - work is ongoing
  • Continued collaborative work with Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire to address cultural challenges young people face with neurodiversity, mental health and culture

Who was involved?

Outputs and impact

  • Publications of the findings and the evidence from the review
  • Potential impact to be discussed via stake holder events and opportunities for implementation as the findings emerge

Papers and resources

Read the related directory of current organisations that provide mental health services for neurodiverse children, adults and their families in the East of England, titled 'Directory 2023-2024'

Read the related report, titled 'Mapping Report 2023-2024'

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