Young people’s Pip claims for ADHD and autism ‘rising fastest in affluent areas’

New research reveals a striking disparity in disability benefit claims for ADHD and autism among young people in England, with the most affluent areas seeing the steepest increases since the pandemic. While wealthier families may be accessing diagnoses more quickly through private healthcare, claims for the personal independence payment remain significantly higher in deprived regions, where poverty, lower education levels, and job insecurity are more prevalent. The findings highlight how socioeconomic factors influence both diagnosis rates and support needs. Experts suggest the trend may reflect broader inequalities in healthcare access and recognition of neurodiverse conditions.

Experts say trend across England probably reflects swifter access to diagnoses as wealthier families go privateSome of the most affluent areas of England have had the sharpest rises in the proportion of young people claiming disability benefits for ADHD and autism since the pandemic, according to new research.Claims for the personal independence payment (Pip) benefit for these health conditions were typically proportionally far higher in deprived areas with higher rates of poverty, low educational outcomes and insecure employment. Continue reading...