The Mental Health Crisis Facing ADHD & Autistic People

If you’re a counsellor, teacher, or social care professional, you’ve probably noticed something: many of your clients or students with ADHD or autism are carrying a heavier mental health burden than their neurotypical peers.

And it’s not just anecdotal. The research is sobering:

• Around 70–80% of autistic people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.

• Adults with ADHD are three times more likely to develop anxiety or depression.

• Rates of self-harm and suicidal ideation are significantly higher in neurodivergent populations.

• 
  

Why the Disparity?

The answer isn’t simply “the condition itself.” Instead, it’s often the environments around neurodivergent people:

• Chronic misunderstanding (“you’re lazy, dramatic, or antisocial”).

• Masking pressure, which drains energy and erodes self-esteem.

• Systemic barriers in education, healthcare, and workplaces.

• 
  

The Double Bind

A heartbreaking truth is that neurodivergent people often struggle to access support because of their neurodivergence. For instance:

• An autistic client may struggle to navigate GP referrals.

• A person with ADHD may find endless waiting lists unbearable.

This creates a vicious cycle: unmet needs fuel distress, which then gets pathologised rather than understood.

Why CPD Matters

For professionals, understanding these dynamics isn’t optional—it’s essential. With the right awareness and tools, we can interrupt this cycle:

• Spotting signs early rather than mislabelling behaviour.

• Creating safe therapeutic spaces where masking isn’t required.

• Advocating within systems for fairer support.

  
  

Reflection question: Are we treating the “symptoms” of distress, or addressing the root causes in how our society treats neurodivergent people?