From Waiting to Wellbeing: The Demand for Neurodiversity Support
In the UK, an estimated 15-20% of the population, or approximately 13 million people are neurodivergent. This includes up to 1.2 million autistic individuals and around 2.2 million individuals with ADHD. However, many of these people face prolonged waits for their initial diagnostic appointments.
The Current Challenge: NHS Waiting Times for Neurodiversity Assessments
Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend starting autism diagnostic assessments within three months of referral to ensure timely access to necessary support. However, as of March 2024, there were over 183,700 individuals waiting for a diagnosis referral for autism, with over 87% having a referral that had been open for at least 13 weeks. These figures demonstrate a sharp rise from 44% of patients in December 2019.
Regarding ADHD, research from April 2023 has highlighted significant variations in waiting times across England, with some individuals waiting only a few months to access their diagnostic assessments while others face delays of several years. One 2023 survey by the Petitions Committee found that 24% of respondents waiting for a diagnostic assessment for ADHD through the NHS had been waiting one to two years, while 10% had been waiting for two to three years.
Further research has also noted inconsistencies in practice around diagnosing autism at different NHS centres, with some being twice as likely than others to diagnose adults as autistic, indicating nationwide variability in the referral-to-diagnosis process.
While the NHS provides invaluable neurodiversity support to many neurodivergent adults living in the United Kingdom, this is primarily offered to adults with autism and ADHD, meaning that a considerable portion of the UK’s neurodivergent community are currently going without adequate access to neurodiversity support services. For example, it is not possible for adults to obtain a diagnosis for dyslexia, dyscalculia or dyspraxia on the NHS.
In response to the record demand for neurodiversity assessments, Lexxic is enhancing its already robust neurodiversity diagnostics and assessments services to address the urgent needs of individuals requiring timely neurodiversity support. With specialist psychologists and over 16 years’ experience in empowering neurodiversity in the workplace, Lexxic can accept referrals immediately and provide a wider range of assessments and support for individuals with Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD.
Understanding Neurodiversity Assessments and Workplace Needs Assessments
So, how can our neurodiversity assessments help support individuals and organisations?
Diagnostic and Screening Assessments:
Neurodiversity diagnostic and screening assessments use a range of tests to provide insight into how individuals process information and learn best; however, they differ in that diagnostic assessments are used to determine whether an individual has a neurodifference, while screening assessments are used to determine whether an individual displays tendencies of a neurodifference. These assessments can provide individuals with important information about their unique strengths and challenges, while offering recommendations to enable them to access further neurodiversity support to meet their needs.
Workplace Needs Assessments (WPAs):
Workplace needs assessments are impartial assessments undertaken to identify adjustments that could be implemented within an individual’s workplace to improve their working life. During WPAs, individuals are asked to share information about their role, responsibilities, work environment, and any challenges they are facing within the workplace.
Based on the information shared by an individual during their WPA, a range of support is then recommended centred on areas such as equipment, assistive technology, coaching, training, and eLearning. Diagnostic and screening assessments may also be recommended if an individual reports characteristics associated with a neurodifference and wishes to explore this further.
Lexxic’s Impact: Reducing Wait Times and Enhancing Neurodiversity Support
At Lexxic, our neurodiversity diagnostic, screening, and workplace needs assessments can be delivered virtually or in-person and may be funded by an individual or their employer. Access to these assessments not only supports the individual but their entire organisation by championing the value that neurodivergent individuals can bring to the workplace.
Embracing neurodiversity is crucial in fostering inclusive work environments, and giving neurodivergent individuals the tools and support they need to feel safe and maximise their unique strengths and perspectives represents a huge step towards achieving this. By breaking down the barriers faced by those with neurodifferences and challenging the stereotypes and misconceptions that still surround neurodiversity, organisations can facilitate the inclusion of their neurodivergent employees and help them thrive.
To discover how to empower individuals in your organisation and tap into their full potential, find out more about our diagnostic, screening, and workplace needs assessments today.
This blog was written by Sarah Forrester and Shila Simkhada, Trainee Assistant Psychologists at Lexxic