A further £13.7m will be invested to improve neurodivergence
services and reduce waiting times for autism and ADHD assessments
across Wales.
Demand for neurodivergence services has rapidly grown in recent
years, with increased awareness of neurodivergent conditions
leading to thousands of people seeking assessments and support.
The new funding will extend the work of the National
Neurodivergence Improvement Programme to transform services and
support the National Neurodivergence Team until March 2027,
building on the £12m invested over the past three years and £3m
to reduce the longest waiting times for children's assessments in
November.
Marking the start of Children's Mental Health Week (February
3-9), Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister said the new funding
will help to transform neurodivergence services over the next two
years.
“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,” she
said.
“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 Neurodivergence Improvement Programme has already delivered
substantial improvements, including:
- 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 is
an example of a new support service, which 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, it equips schools and parents with
practical tools and strategies to create more inclusive learning
environments.
The Minister added: “Our focus is on creating a
needs-led approach that provides early help and support, while
working to reduce waiting times. This investment demonstrates our
commitment to developing sustainable, integrated services that
better serve neurodivergent people across Wales.”
Julie Davies, chair of the West Glamorgan Neurodiverse
Programme and Head of Adult and Children's Services at Swansea
Council, said:
“We are delighted to hear about the extension of the
Neurodivergence Programme. The continued funding will be
instrumental in addressing the specific needs of individuals, our
endeavours to reduce waiting times, and developing innovative
approaches to support neurodiverse communities.”
