The Government has published its interim report of the independent review into the prevalence of autism, mental health and ADHD.

We are concerned that not only are autistic people’s needs clearly not being met, but that this review is fuelling the increasingly polarised debate about autism.

Our response to the interim report: Mel Merritt, Interim Assistant Director of Policy, Research and Strategy at the National Autistic Society, said:

“This report makes one thing unmistakably clear: autistic people’s needs are not being met in education, employment or healthcare.

"We have been concerned from the outset that this review could fuel the increasingly polarised debate about autism. Unfortunately, we are now seeing exactly that. Too much attention is being placed on questioning people’s motivations for seeking a diagnosis, instead of recognising the very real distress that autistic people and their families experience - distress that is too often overlooked.

“We want to shift the conversation towards solutions that genuinely address unmet needs. It is essential that autistic people are meaningfully consulted as part of this Review. The Government must then set out a clear plan - particularly through the Autism Strategy - to ensure people get the right help at the right time, rather than too little, too late.”