Why is the understanding of ADHD and Autism so important in the Healthcare Environment?

Understanding ADHD and Autism within any health or social care environments or settings is critical, not only for the delivering compassionate and essential care but also to meet legal duties and requirements, improvement of outcomes and reducing the possibility of inequalities.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is the acronym for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder which is a neurodevelopmental condition portrayed by an endless pattern of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity which impairs functions. Common features may include difficulty focusing, easily being distracted, restlessness and impulsive behaviour. ADHD at times overlap with another condition, such as Autism or mood disorders and has a serious impact in all aspects in their lives.

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which is lifelong. Autism may be defined by the difficulty in social interactions and communication along with restricted and repetitive patterns of interests and behaviour. Autism reflects differently in each individual.

Latest news and updates regarding ADHD and Autism in the UK

1. Demand and waiting lists: in May 2025, it was reported and estimated 549,000 people in England were waiting for an ADHD assessment.
2. NHS figures estimate about 3 to 5% of adults and children in the UK have ADHD, which is roughly about 2.5 million individuals.
3. An Independent NHS Taskforce, which is chaired by Professor Anita Thapar, published a report in June 2025 which noted that too many people have been waiting way too long for support. It has recommended that early practical help such as coaching, parent advise and classroom support, be given before or while waiting for a formal assessment for adults and children.
4. An autistic society report in May has found that 1455 autistic people (with and without learning disabilities) were detained in mental health hospitals in England.
5. Waiting times and parliamentary attention: by March 2025 there were 137,977 children who were waiting for an autism assessment in CAMHS.

What laws and regulations accompany ADHD and Autism?

• Equality Act 2010: both ADHD and Autism qualify as a disability under this act as they are mental impairments with substantial long-term effects on an individual’s day to day tasks
• The Autism Act 2009 (England): this act is an autism specific legislation and was the first UK law for a specific disability
• Children and Families Act 2014: this act has introduced statutory education, health and care (EHC) plans for any eligible disabled children which includes ADHD and Autism
• Health and Care Act 2022: this act requires all health and social care staff to receive training on learning disability and autism which is appropriate as per their roles; which led the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training standard

Next step to understand ADHD and Autism better:

To upskill and get a better understanding of ADHD and Autism in the healthcare environment, you may do the following courses and more which are available on our website:

• Understanding and Supporting ADHD and Autism in Healthcare Settings
• The Oliver McGowan Online Training Module Tier 1 and 2
• Therapeutics Observations and Engagement
• The Safe Handling and Administration of Medication

Just a note:

Doing an Understanding and Supporting ADHD and Autism in Healthcare Settings Online Course with Train Healthcare, which takes approximately 1 hour to complete, will earn you 1 CPD Point per course. Once you have completed the course/s, you would receive a certificate thereof.