£13.7m to transform services and cut ADHD and autism waiting times

Demand for neurodivergence services has rapidly grown in recent years, with increased awareness of neurodivergent conditions leading to thousands of people seeking assessments and support.

The new funding will extend the work of the National Neurodivergence Improvement Programme to transform services and support the National Neurodivergence Team until March 2027, building on the £12m invested over the past three years and £3m to reduce the longest waiting times for children's assessments in November.

Marking the start of Children’s Mental Health Week (February 3-9), Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Sarah Murphy said the new funding will help to transform neurodivergence services over the next two years.

“We know radical change is needed in this sector and we are working with the NHS and services to improve long-term support for neurodivergent children, adults and their families,” she said.

“In the face of unprecedented demand for both diagnosis and treatment, we have made significant progress in developing integrated services.

“This further investment will help reduce assessment waiting times while ensuring sustainable support is available for those who need it.”

The Neurodivergence Improvement Programme has already delivered substantial improvements, including:

• Extended workforce training across health, social care, education and specialisms
• Piloted innovative needs-led profiling tools
• Enhanced data collection and reporting systems
• Established stronger collaborative relationships between organisations
• Piloted new integrated service delivery models
• Held an all-Wales accelerated design event

The West Glamorgan Neurodiverse Board's Myth Busting project is an example of a new support service, which promotes a needs-led, strengths-based approach to supporting neurodivergent pupils, moving away from diagnosis-dependent support.

Through initiatives like Time to Talk sessions, resource materials and digital content, it equips schools and parents with practical tools and strategies to create more inclusive learning environments.

The Minister added: “Our focus is on creating a needs-led approach that provides early help and support, while working to reduce waiting times. This investment demonstrates our commitment to developing sustainable, integrated services that better serve neurodivergent people across Wales.”

Julie Davies, chair of the West Glamorgan Neurodiverse Programme and Head of Adult and Children’s Services at Swansea Council, said:

“We are delighted to hear about the extension of the Neurodivergence Programme. The continued funding will be instrumental in addressing the specific needs of individuals, our endeavours to reduce waiting times, and developing innovative approaches to support neurodiverse communities.”