Latest news with #ADHDFoundation
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Nearly 2.5 million living with ADHD, NHS claims
Almost 2.5 million people in England have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to the first estimates by the NHS. That means about one in every 23 people across the country has the neurodevelopmental disorder, some living without a diagnosis. It is the first time the health service has made such an estimate public. People with ADHD may have trouble concentrating or sitting still. Other symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetfulness, finding it hard to follow instructions or organise time, and making impulsive decisions. Demand for a diagnosis has soared by more than 400 per cent since the pandemic, figures from the ADHD Foundation previously suggested. The lockdowns fuelled a near-doubling in the number of prescriptions for ADHD medicines, according to a study published earlier this year in the BMJ Mental Health journal. Researchers found that prescriptions per 1,000 people in England had risen from 25.17 in 2019-20 to 41.55 in 2023-24. The new estimates from NHS England also say 741,000 children or young adults aged between five and 24 have ADHD. The figures were developed using estimates from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) that suggest around 3 to 4 per cent of adults and 5 per cent of children and young people have ADHD. The NHS data suggests some 1.7 million are currently living without a diagnosis, although it does not capture anyone who has been diagnosed and treated privately, unless this has been added to their NHS GP record. While ADHD is not usually diagnosed in children under five – as some traits can be part of a child's normal development – estimated prevalence in youngsters aged four and under has been calculated to give an insight into how many may go on to be diagnosed. The estimates suggest that some 147,000 under-fives are likely to have ADHD. The new figures also suggest more than half a million people were waiting for an ADHD assessment at the end of March at 549,000, up from 416,000 a year earlier. Around two thirds of them were aged between five and 24. Experts have warned that the increase in cases may be in part down to the pandemic and changes to daily life and stress. They have also said there is an increasing awareness of ADHD, including via social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, which is likely to be encouraging more people to seek diagnosis and treatment. Benefits claims soaring However, officials are also concerned at the surge in benefit claims from people based on mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions. Advice from ADHD 'sickfluencers' on social media has coincided with a sharp rise in the number of people claiming up to £69,000 a year through the Access to Work scheme – which can be used on equipment and support, including work coaches, noise-cancelling headphones and Apple smartwatches. The total spent on the scheme increased to £258 million in the last financial year, up 40 per cent from 2022-23. Around a third of all demand is now driven by people claiming financial support for mental health conditions, up from just 5 per cent a decade ago. Louise Ansari, chief executive of Healthwatch England, said the figures were 'a first step in understanding the scale of demand for ADHD care'. 'Our new research highlights that many people with ADHD may simply be going without support,' she said. 'Long waits for assessments are one of the reasons people who show ADHD traits don't seek help, while those waiting for an assessment struggle to navigate the long waits.' Ms Ansari added that there was still 'a way to go to ensure data is comprehensive and robust'. She called for the ADHD figures to be added to official waiting list data, to 'give a clearer picture of waiting times, including who is experiencing the longest waits and why'.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
King Charles' sense of humour applauded by comic pal who mocks Harry on stage
Comedian and impressionist Rory Bremner says King Charles can see funny side of most things even in the royal household Rory Bremner says his friend King Charles has a 'terrific sense of humour' - thankfully, as he ribs the monarch's feud with his son Prince Harry on stage. The comedian and impressionist, who coached Dominic West in preparing for his role on The Crown, says the King takes all his material in good spirits. 'He's got a terrific sense of humour - he's got a great sense of humour,' says Rory. 'I've always liked him. I think he was ahead of his time. He's been wonderfully inspirational.' It's fortunate the pair get on, as Rory's latest joke involves Charles having to entertain US President Donald Trump during his upcoming visit. Rory's joke for his latest tour sees him quip in Charles voice: 'I'm expected to look after every Tom, Dick or… well, maybe not Harry.' In his skit, he makes out Trump's invitation, handed by Sir Keir Starmer, is 'like a red letter day from WH Smith', that he jokes Charles resents. 'He's been landed with the state visit and he's King of Canada,' laughs Rory. 'And Trump's talking about, 'Why don't you be the 51st state?'' As Charles he jokes: 'I would be able to show my face in Canada again. Even on the stamps.' But Rory believes he will see the funny side, as the King told him to 'shut up' when he previously quipped to him: 'In less than a year you've gone from head of state to head of prostate.' Now, Rory says his joke came out unfiltered due to him having ADHD. Speaking in the ADHD Foundation garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show he laughed: 'That's ADHD for you. No filter, it just came straight out.' Rory also sets up Charles as being an avid viewer of the controversial Netflix series in which Dominic portrays him. 'One of the lines I'm using now is the idea of Charles saying, 'I'm just watching The Crown, don't tell me what happens.'' But Rory insists his aim was to help Dominic portray Charles more sympathetically. 'Both Dominic and I sensed that the script was less sympathetic to Charles,' he says. 'We were, both of us, fans, if you like, and both of us like and admire Charles and feel that he's… we just like him. 'And I think one of the things we spoke about was when the script was being unduly unsympathetic, that somehow in the portrayal of the character, he could make Charles a more sympathetic character.' However, he adds: 'We did laugh quite a lot, Dominic West. I don't know how much I helped, I think we spent 45 minutes laughing. It's part of the body language as well.'
BBC News
28-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Dartford college celebrates receiving national ADHD award
A Kent college principal said it was a "tremendous achievement" to be recognised for its work with young people with neurodevelopmental Leigh UTC in Dartford, which specialises in engineering and computing, was recognised by national charity the ADHD deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a disorder where inattention and/or hyperactivity–impulsivity interferes with day-to-day life or development, according to the charity ADHD Kevin Watson said receiving ADHD Friendly School status was a "tremendous achievement". "It's confirmation that the work we are doing is making a noticeable impact on the young people we are working with, despite any barriers," he added."We are incredibly grateful to the ADHD Foundation for their invaluable support and guidance in allowing us to achieve this award."Colin Foley, training director of the ADHD Foundation, said: "I am so pleased that The Leigh UTC is getting the recognition it deserves in this area."In a busy high school, time, space and support is being given daily to those who might find school more challenging than others. Well done to everyone involved."A spokesperson for the foundation said the college had "gone above and beyond" to ensure the learning environment was inclusive to all young people, whatever their included adapting lessons to include movement breaks and dividing lessons into "learning episodes to support those young people who might struggle to pay attention for long periods."
BBC News
24-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
York schools support for neurodiverse pupils celebrated
Eight schools in York that provide "safe and nurturing" environments for children with special educational needs and disabilities have been recognised for their schools were accredited as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) friendly, as part of "a commitment to support neurodiverse children", according to City of York ADHD Foundation said it had awarded the accreditation to establishments which were "welcoming and exciting places", in which all learners with ADHD could "achieve their academic potential".Councillor Bob Webb said supporting neurodiverse students was part of a strategy to ensure York was "a great place to live and learn for all young people". 'Valued, understood, empowered' Copmanthorpe Primary, Dunnington Church of England Primary School, Lakeside Primary Academy, Haxby Road Enhanced Resource Provision, Millthorpe School, Tang Hall Primary, Wigginton Primary and York High School have all received the ADHD Friendly School schools worked with the foundation to achieve six ADHD pledges, including training school staff, providing opportunities for learners to access physical activity, exercise and self-calming Webb, the executive member for children, young people and education at City of York Council, said: "We want to see inclusion at the heart of education in York and I'm really pleased that schools have committed their time and energy to promote inclusion and the needs of all learners."Luke Dancer, headteacher at Copmanthorpe Primary School, said: "We are incredibly proud to be recognised as an ADHD-friendly school. "This accreditation is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the staff in creating a school where learners with ADHD feel valued, understood and empowered to reach their full potential." Colin Foley from the ADHD Foundation said all the awards were "very well deserved". Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
15-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
Umbrella display in Milton Keynes highlights neurodiversity
Hundreds of brightly coloured umbrellas will be suspended above a city shopping centre for six months to raise awareness of Umbrella Project is launching its latest installation in Milton Keynes on Saturday to symbolise "the wide spectrum of neurodivergent experiences", including autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and hundred umbrellas - covering 860 sq m (2,821 sq ft) - will be on display at Midsummer Place, in Midsummer Boulevard."An umbrella provides protection, much like the neurodiversity movement advocates for acceptance, understanding, and inclusion," said Jane Lambert, one of the project leaders. "We invite people to visit the centre, experience The Umbrella Project and learn about the neurodivergent community around them," she added. One of the speakers at Saturday's day-long launch event, which begins at 10:00 GMT and includes talks and performances, is Bekka Prideaux, from Leighton Buzzard, who runs a business said she wanted to join the MK Umbrella project "because I don't want other people to go through the negative experiences I did, especially at school and early in my career"."I was asked to speak as I am a dyslexic thinker and this has been instrumental in my career success."As a child I was labelled 'stupid', as I was not able to read and write or do my times tables. "I knew I saw the world differently and that there were things I found easy that others found hard. "By learning to use my strengths, I have been able to solve complex business problems," said Ms Prideaux. The project, run by the charity the ADHD Foundation, has previously visited Liverpool, Cardiff and hoped "to position Milton Keynes as a city that backs the wider social movement towards more understanding, acceptance and celebration of neurodiversity". Hester Grainger, from Norfolk, is also speaking at Saturday's runs a consultancy called Perfectly Autistic with her husband, Kelly. They both have ADHD and her husband is also autistic."Being officially diagnosed with ADHD in my forties and being mum to two autistic/ADHD teens, it will be great to connect with others who are on a similar journey."It can often feel isolating, whether you have ADHD or are autistic, or parenting neurodivergent children, so this fantastic event will be an amazing opportunity to come together and embrace the positives that being neurodivergent brings," said Ms Grainger. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
