New research reveals that some of England's most affluent areas have experienced the sharpest rises in the proportion of young people claiming disability benefits for ADHD and autism since the pandemic. While claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for these conditions were typically higher in deprived areas, the fastest growth has occurred in prosperous regions such as Wokingham, Warwick, and parts of Hampshire and Surrey.
Researchers suggest this trend likely reflects quicker access to ADHD and autism diagnoses in more affluent areas. This is partly attributed to wealthier families being able to bypass long NHS waiting lists by paying privately for clinical diagnoses.
The Nuffield Trust, which conducted the research, noted that the relative gap in PIP claims between rich and poor areas is diminishing. For example, Surrey Heath saw a 630% increase in PIP claims for autism and ADHD since 2019, contrasting with 30% and 50% increases in Mansfield and Great Yarmouth respectively.
Sally Gainsbury, a senior policy analyst at the Nuffield Trust, stated that the findings probably reflect "substantial inequality in access" to private and NHS diagnostic services. She added that more privileged individuals may also be better equipped to navigate the PIP claims process, with a clinical diagnosis likely increasing the chances of a successful claim.
PIP is designed to assist claimants with extra disability costs and is not means-tested. In April 2026, approximately 205,000 16- to 24-year-olds received PIP for ADHD or autism-linked disabilities, representing a more than threefold increase since 2019. The cost for this cohort in 2025-26 was £1.36 billion, with an average annual PIP claim of £8,800.
This research precedes a government-commissioned report on mental health, autism, and ADHD diagnoses. This report is expected to recommend a "needs-based" system for NHS services, prioritising patients most severely affected by ADHD.