The Welsh Government has announced an additional investment of £13.7 million to enhance neurodivergence services and significantly reduce waiting times for autism and ADHD assessments across Wales.
This initiative comes at a pivotal moment, coinciding with the start of Children's Mental Health Week.
The demand for neurodivergence services has surged in recent years, driven by increased awareness of neurodivergent conditions. Thousands of individuals are now seeking assessments and support, putting considerable pressure on existing services.
Sarah Murphy, Wales’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister, commented:
“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.
“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 fresh funding will extend the ongoing work of the National Neurodivergence Improvement Programme until March 2027. This follows a £12 million investment over the past three years and an additional £3 million aimed at reducing the longest waiting times for children's assessments last November. The programme has already achieved significant progress, delivering a range of improvements such as:
- 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 exemplifies the new wave of support services. This project 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, schools and parents are equipped with practical tools and strategies to create more inclusive learning environments.
The National Neurodivergence Improvement Programme's substantial advancements underscore the Welsh Government's commitment to transforming neurodivergence services. This new £13.7 million investment is set to further enhance the programme's impact, ensuring timely access to assessments and support for thousands of individuals across Wales.
By building on the programme's success, the Welsh Government aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for neurodivergent individuals and their families. The continued focus on workforce training, innovative tools, and collaborative efforts will pave the way for a brighter future in neurodivergence services across the nation.
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