ADHD Taskforce Report 2025: What You Actually Need to Know
“ADHD costs the UK £17 billion a year – because we’re not supporting people early enough”
ADHD Taskforce Report 2025: What You Actually Need to Know
(from your ADHD coach who read the whole thing, so you don’t have to)
1. ADHD Is Everyone’s Business
ADHD isn’t just a medical issue. It impacts education, jobs, justice, and mental health. The current system is broken, and it’s costing the UK £17 billion a year.
ADHD = higher risk of school dropout, unemployment, prison, and illness, but this is preventable with the right support.
2. Waiting Times Are Out of Control
Some people are waiting up to 8 years for an ADHD diagnosis.
That’s not just frustrating, it’s dangerous. Without support, people are more likely to end up in A&E, jobless, or in crisis.
3. You Shouldn’t Have to “Prove” ADHD to Get Help
Support should be based on needs, not whether you’ve got a formal diagnosis.
Think: help at school, workplace adjustments, parenting support, all before seeing a specialist.
4. It’s Time for a New Model of Care
The current system relies on a few “super-specialists.” That’s not working.
The report calls for more general ADHD care in communities and GPs, with faster routes for complex cases. Like how we manage diabetes, not a 4-year waitlist
5. Services Are Stuck in the Stone Age
ADHD services are still paper-based (!!!)
Digitising admin and screening could make things faster, safer, and easier, if done well.
But tech must be evidence-based and ethical, not just another shiny app.
So What’s the Catch?
• The Taskforce has no power to implement anything.
• Part 2 (coming Summer 2025) will give more detail, but right now, this is just recommendations.
• It’s a hopeful shift, but pressure and accountability are needed.
What This Means For You
| If you are… | Here’s what this means |
|---|---|
| Waiting for diagnosis | You’re not alone. Pressure is building to fix this. Early support may become easier. |
| Self-diagnosed | You deserve support now, not “after paperwork”. This report backs that. |
| A parent | More early-years help, school-based support, and recognition of “needs-led” help. |
| In work or struggle to stay in | Push for workplace adjustments. Report shows ADHD has serious employment impacts |
What You Can Do
- Share your story (the report was built with lived experience at the centre)
- Email your MP to support action on ADHD waiting lists
- Join a community (keep an eye out for a new community coming soon!) for support and advocacy
- Use coaching and non-diagnostic tools to get support now, diagnosis or not
Read the full report here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PRN02031-interim-report-of-the-independent-adhd-taskforce-part-1.pdf