Recommendation 16

The Committee acknowledges evidence of an unprecedented rise in demand for neurodevelopmental assessments in recent years. It has been persuaded by evidence that this rise is not attributable to a tendency towards over-diagnosis but rather to an historic under-diagnosis of ADHD and autism and an improved understanding of these conditions more recently. The Committee is also sympathetic to the suggestion that promoting a narrative around over-diagnosis is unhelpful and risks further stigmatising those with autism and/or ADHD, with the result that their condition is not believed or understood and they are denied access to the pathways and support they need.