On 9 October 2026, the Department of Health and Social Care published the final report of a major independent review into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism. The review was chaired by Professor Peter Fonagy, and it is one of the biggest looks yet at why demand for ADHD and autism assessments has grown so quickly.
If you've seen headlines asking whether too many people are being diagnosed, you might be feeling worried or confused. Here's a plain-English summary of what the review found, and what it means for families here in Northern Ireland.
What the review found
No evidence of widespread overdiagnosis. The review could not conclude that ADHD and autism are being overdiagnosed at scale. It did warn that the risk could grow if current trends continue, alongside the ongoing problem of people being missed.
Demand has risen sharply. By the end of 2025, there were more than 560,000 open ADHD referrals in England, over 17 times the number in 2019. There were also more than 254,000 open autism referrals.
People are waiting far too long. Services are overwhelmed, and the time people wait varies a great deal depending on where they live.
Diagnosis has become the gateway to help. Too often, support at school, college or work depends on having a formal diagnosis. That pushes more people to seek one, and leaves others without help while they wait.
Mental health needs are rising too. Around one in four 16 to 24-year-olds now has a common mental health condition, up from around one in six in 1993.
The big idea: support based on need
The review's central message is that the system should move from being diagnosis-dependent to a needs-led plus diagnosis model. In other words, diagnosis still matters, but nobody should have to wait for a label before they get help.
It sets out ten recommendations, including:
a shared way of assessing and prioritising people's needs
joined-up mental health and neurodevelopmental services
better access to evidence-based treatment
stronger oversight and regulation of ADHD and autism assessments, with consistent standards
better data and research, including regular studies of how common these conditions are
a national public information campaign
a cross-government strategy, with a 10-year reform plan and action over the next 12 to 24 months
For families, this is encouraging. It recognises what many parents already know: a child who is struggling needs support now, not years from now.
What does it mean for Northern Ireland?
The review was commissioned by the UK Department of Health and Social Care, and its figures and recommendations focus on England. Health and education are devolved in Northern Ireland, so the review doesn't change services here directly or straight away.
That said, the problems it describes will sound very familiar to families in Northern Ireland, where waits for ADHD and autism assessments and treatment are also long. Reviews like this often shape the wider conversation across the UK, so it's well worth knowing about.
What you can do now
The review's message about needs-led support is something you can act on today:
Ask for support based on need. Your child doesn't need a diagnosis to get help at school. Talk to the SENCO about what's happening and what could be put in place now.
Keep a record. Notes from home and school about what you're seeing will help any future assessment.
Stay on any waiting list you're on. It keeps your options open while you explore others.
Choose any assessment carefully. Whether NHS or private, look for a thorough assessment using recognised tools, with information gathered from home and school, and a clear written report with practical recommendations.
Want to talk it through?
If you're worried about your child, or yourself, and aren't sure what to do next, book a free, no-obligation 15-minute call. We'll listen, answer your questions and help you decide on the right next step.
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Dr Pauline Hunter is a registered nurse with over 30 years' clinical experience and the founder of ADHD Diagnostics Ltd, based in Northern Ireland.