ADHD Task Force Priorities: a deliberative public engagement

Healthwatch England was commissioned by NHS England to undertake a deliberative event with people with lived experience of ADHD to inform the work of the NHS England ADHD task force.  35 people took part in the event which was held on 17 September 2024.

Participants were asked to talk about what they think the priorities of the upcoming ADHD Task Force should be. 

Through their discussions, participants identified eight priority areas:

Tackling stigma

• Tackle stigma associated with ADHD. 
• Make it easier to get reasonable adjustments at work and in education.
• Increase awareness of how it affects people’s lives, including education for family members.
• Ensure people with ADHD are treated with empathy, respect, and understanding across society.

Training for professionals 

• Ensure all health and care professionals have appropriate training about ADHD.
• Challenge stigma within the health and care sector, including around the validity of private diagnoses. 
• Increase awareness of the different ways that ADHD can present in different people.

Working together

• Help people get joined-up care, centred around their needs as a whole person - this includes: 
  • Better support for comorbidities, particularly mental health. 
  • Better links between the health and care system and other sectors/organisations. 

Continuity of care

• Ensure people transition seamlessly, without a wait, from child to adult services.
• Provide access to age-appropriate care, regardless of the age they are diagnosed. Help people get equitable access to support across the country.

Identifying ADHD earlier

• Help people to spot ADHD as early as possible, so that they get the support they need.
• Reduce the burden on those with suspected ADHD.
• Ensure that people get adequate information and support immediately after diagnosis.

Waiting well

• Ensure people have support while waiting, including signposting to local organisations that can help. 
• Improve transparency around waiting.

Reducing waiting times

• Tackle waiting times across the patient journey, not just before diagnosis. 

Easier access to support

• Make it easier for people to navigate the diagnosis and support pathway. 
• Provide support and guidance on how to live well with ADHD. 
• Help participants choose the treatment and support options that are right for them.