Annual Conference 2026
DAY 1
The professional meeting provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing ADHD and autism services, with a strong focus on improving diagnostic accuracy, service delivery, and workforce capability across healthcare systems.
One presentation, “Understanding ADHD: Intersectionality, Diagnosis, and the Role of Healthcare Professionals in Addressing Neurodevelopmental Disorders,” highlighted how race, gender, culture, and socioeconomic factors influence the recognition and diagnosis of ADHD and autism. Speakers emphasized that girls are frequently underdiagnosed due to masking behaviours and internalisation of symptoms, while cultural stigma, language barriers, and differing explanatory models of neurodevelopmental conditions can delay access to assessment and support. Advances in genetics and neuroscience were reviewed, including evidence for a female protective effect in autism and the strong heritability of ADHD. The session also explored the limitations of current diagnostic tools, noting that ADHD assessment remains reliant on clinical judgement and multiple sources of information, with parent and teacher reports often providing the most reliable evidence. Concerns were raised regarding both over-diagnosis and under-diagnosis, given the lifelong implications of diagnostic labelling. A major focus was the development of a national ADHD Nurse Competency Framework to standardise clinical practice, improve assessment quality, and define professional competencies across NHS and independent services.
A second presentation, “Addressing the Challenges of Autism Services,” examined the unprecedented growth in demand for neurodevelopmental assessments and the resulting pressures on NHS services. The speaker described sharp increases in autism and ADHD referrals, long waiting times, workforce shortages, and regional variation in access to care. Proposed solutions included expanding ADHD expertise beyond specialist teams, adopting needs-led models of support before formal diagnosis, and improving collaboration across health, education, and social care sectors. Updates were provided on the forthcoming Autism Strategy and SEND reforms, which aim to strengthen neurodiversity training, increase specialist workforce capacity, and reduce reliance on diagnostic labels as the sole gateway to support. The overarching message was the need for earlier intervention, integrated services, and sustainable national frameworks to meet growing demand while maintaining high-quality care.
DAY 2
Summary of Key Presentations from the Professional Meeting on ADHD and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
The professional meeting brought together clinicians, researchers, and service leaders to discuss contemporary challenges and advances in ADHD and autism assessment, treatment, and service delivery. A recurring theme was the rapid increase in demand for neurodevelopmental services, alongside the need for more equitable, evidence-based, and person-centred care.
Several presentations explored factors affecting diagnostic accuracy. Speakers highlighted the influence of gender, culture, race, and socioeconomic disadvantage on the identification of ADHD and autism, noting that girls frequently remain under-recognised because of masking and internalised symptoms. Emerging evidence relating to the female protective effect in autism and the genetic basis of neurodevelopmental conditions was reviewed. Particular attention was given to the significant mental health burden associated with masking in girls, including higher rates of anxiety, depression, and school difficulties.
Service delivery challenges were another major focus. Presenters described dramatic increases in ADHD and autism referrals, long waiting times, workforce shortages, and regional variation in access to care. Evidence was presented showing that Child Development Centre pathways can provide more cost-effective assessments than CAMHS-led models, while integrated neurodevelopmental services may reduce delays and improve patient experience. Upcoming autism and SEND reforms were discussed as potential mechanisms for improving support and reducing reliance on diagnostic labels alone.
Advances in clinical practice included updates on evidence-based ADHD treatments and the launch of the EBI-ADHD platform to support shared decision-making. Pharmacological treatments, particularly stimulants, continue to demonstrate the strongest evidence for symptom improvement. Speakers also reviewed the relationship between ADHD and substance misuse, emphasising that appropriately managed ADHD treatment may reduce future addiction risk.
Additional sessions examined the safe use of artificial intelligence in clinical practice, the recognition of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and the legal principles underpinning ADHD diagnosis and clinical negligence. Collectively, the meeting reinforced the importance of multidisciplinary working, evidence-informed decision-making, and the development of sustainable services capable of meeting growing patient need.
