We respond to the launch of a review into the diagnosis of mental health conditions, ADHD and autism
Our CEO calls for children and young people with lived experience to be involved from “day one”.
Earlier this week, the Health Secretary Wes Streeting launched an independent clinical review into the diagnosis and support of mental health conditions, autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The review aims to build a clinical evidence base on mental health, autism and ADHD services, look at the factors driving rising prevalence and determine what gaps in support exist. It will be led by Professor Peter Fonagy*, who was previously our CEO and now holds the position of Honorary President at Anna Freud.
Responding to the launch of the review, Professor Eamon McCrory, CEO of Anna Freud, said:
“Any further evidence we can gather into the prevalence of mental health issues is very welcome. One in five children and young people are estimated to have a mental health condition and we need to ensure they get the right support at the right time. This requires a better understanding of both the clinical and social determinants driving these issues, and how these conditions manifest in everyday life.
“At Anna Freud, we speak to young people and those closest to them every day and we know they’re facing a myriad of pressures. Financial strain, climate fears, racism, global instability, harmful aspects of social media and many other factors are all having an impact. We need a system that understands and tackles these root causes long before young people reach crisis. We also recognise that the current system of assessment and diagnosis may not be adequately meeting the needs of young people.
“We know from our work on the National Autism Trainer Programme and, more recently, Autism Central, that neurodivergent people are at increased risk of mental health problems. As such, it’s fitting that the review will also look at increasing pressures on autism and ADHD services, while not conflating being neurodivergent with having a mental health condition.
“It’s vital that people with experience of mental health issues, autism and ADHD, including children and young people, are involved in the review from day one, from design and development to analysis and dissemination. They’re all too familiar with the challenges that exist within services and what good care should look like - their voices are essential for driving improvements.
“Fundamentally what is needed is a meaningful shift towards prevention. Our goal should be to support healthy development so that young people are able to fulfil their potential. This means significant investment in the building blocks of good wellbeing, from youth services and community infrastructure to school systems that champion inclusion and belonging.”
About Anna Freud
To learn more about Anna Freud and how we’re transforming mental health care for children and young people, visit our About us page.