Government Launches Major Independent Review into Mental Health, ADHD and Autism

The UK Government has announced a significant new independent review into mental health conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. The review aims to find practical, evidence-based ways to improve prevention, early support and intervention for people of all ages.

What’s the Review About?

Professor Peter Fonagy, a leading clinical psychologist and the Government’s National Clinical Advisor on Children and Young People’s Mental Health, will lead the review. He will be supported by experts from medicine, research and lived experience to make sure the recommendations are grounded in real evidence and understanding.

The aim is to explore:

• Why more people are developing or being diagnosed with mental health conditions, ADHD and autism.
• How clinical practice, culture and social factors affect diagnosis and support.
• What works best for prevention and early intervention.
• How services can be improved so people get the right help quickly and effectively.
• How to reduce inequalities in access to support.
• These issues will be looked at for children, young people and adults.

Why Is This Important?

Rates of common mental health conditions have risen significantly in recent years, and demand for assessment and support for ADHD and autism has also surged. Many people experience long waits for help, and support services are struggling to keep up. This has wide-ranging impacts on individuals, families and communities.

The review will contribute directly to the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan, a major programme of reform designed to shift the focus towards prevention, early care and community support, rather than waiting until problems become more serious.

When Will the Findings Be Published?

The review is expected to take several months. Its findings and recommendations will be published in summer 2026. These will help shape future Government policy on mental health, ADHD and autism, with an emphasis on practical, evidence-based approaches that improve people’s lives.

What Could Change?

Although the review is still underway, it is hoped that it will lead to clearer, more effective ways to:

• Identify early signs of distress or developmental needs so help can begin sooner.
• Support families, schools and communities to reduce the need for late-stage clinical intervention.
• Ensure services work better together, reducing long waits and improving outcomes for people with ADHD, autism or mental health conditions.
• Use evidence-based methods that work in the real world, not just in research settings.

This review represents a major step in the Government’s drive to tackle the mental health crisis facing people in England and to ensure that help is available when it’s needed most.