UK Private Health Insurance for Neurodiversity

Unlock Comprehensive Neurodiversity Support: How UK Private Health Insurance Can Fund Assessments & Care

UK Private Health Insurance for Neurodiversity Support & Assessment

In recent years, public awareness and understanding of neurodiversity have grown exponentially. Terms like ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and Dyspraxia are no longer niche medical concepts but part of everyday conversation. This increased awareness has led to a crucial realisation: many individuals, both adults and children, are living undiagnosed, struggling with challenges that could be mitigated with appropriate support. The demand for assessment and support services has surged, placing unprecedented strain on the UK's National Health Service (NHS).

While the NHS remains the cornerstone of healthcare in the UK, its capacity to meet this burgeoning demand for neurodiversity services is severely stretched. Waiting lists for assessments can span months, and often years, leaving individuals in limbo, delaying crucial diagnoses and access to vital support. This challenging landscape has led many to consider private healthcare options.

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) often emerges as a potential solution, promising quicker access to specialists and a wider range of services. However, the world of private health insurance can be complex, and its applicability to neurodiversity is particularly nuanced. Unlike acute illnesses, neurodevelopmental conditions are typically lifelong, falling under the category of "chronic conditions" – an area where most private health insurance policies have significant limitations.

This comprehensive guide aims to demystify how UK private health insurance can, and cannot, support individuals seeking neurodiversity assessments and related support. We will explore the critical distinctions between chronic and acute conditions, what policies typically cover, what they explicitly exclude, and how to navigate this intricate landscape to make an informed decision for yourself or your loved ones.

Understanding Neurodiversity: A Framework for Different Minds

Before delving into the specifics of insurance, it's essential to grasp what neurodiversity truly means. Neurodiversity is a concept that acknowledges that all human brains are diverse and that neurological differences are natural and valuable variations of the human genome. It moves away from viewing conditions like Autism or ADHD as deficits, instead embracing them as distinct ways of processing information, thinking, and interacting with the world.

What Does Neurodiversity Encompass?

The umbrella term "neurodiversity" typically includes:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Characterised by differences in social communication and interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Involves persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.
• Dyslexia: A specific learning difficulty primarily affecting the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling.
• Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder - DCD): Affects motor coordination, impacting daily activities and sometimes speech and language.
• Tourette's Syndrome: A neurological condition characterised by involuntary movements and sounds called tics.
• Dyscalculia: A specific learning difficulty affecting a person's ability to understand number-based information and perform arithmetical calculations.
• Dysgraphia: A specific learning difficulty that affects a person's ability to write.

It's important to remember that these conditions often co-occur, and individuals may present with traits from multiple neurodivergent profiles. Each condition brings unique strengths and challenges.

The Importance of Diagnosis and Support

While neurodiversity is a difference, not a disease, a formal diagnosis can be life-changing. It provides:

• Self-understanding: A framework for understanding personal strengths, challenges, and experiences.
• Validation: Relief in knowing that difficulties are not personal failings but rather a result of neurological differences.
• Access to Support: Eligibility for accommodations in education, the workplace, and access to specific therapies or strategies.
• Reduced Mental Health Impact: Undiagnosed neurodiversity can lead to significant mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, due to a constant feeling of not fitting in or struggling in a neurotypical world.

Early diagnosis, particularly for children, can unlock timely interventions that significantly improve developmental trajectories and long-term well-being. For adults, a late diagnosis can offer profound clarity and empower them to build a life that aligns with their unique needs.

The NHS Landscape: Challenges and Limitations

The NHS is a universal healthcare system, free at the point of use, and committed to providing care for all. However, its capacity is finite, and it faces unprecedented demand, particularly for specialist services.

Strengths of the NHS

• Universal Access: Theoretically available to everyone, regardless of ability to pay.
• Comprehensive Care: Aims to provide a wide range of services from primary care to highly specialised treatments.
• Expert Professionals: Houses highly skilled and dedicated healthcare professionals.

Challenges in Neurodiversity Provision

The reality for neurodiversity services within the NHS often falls short of the ideal, primarily due to:

• Exorbitant Waiting Lists: This is arguably the most significant challenge. For adult ADHD and Autism assessments, wait times can range from 1 to 5 years, depending on the region. Children's services also face substantial delays.
  • Example: Data from the ADHD Foundation and various NHS trusts frequently highlight waiting lists exceeding 24 months in many parts of the UK for an initial adult ADHD assessment.
• Postcode Lottery: The availability and quality of services vary significantly across different NHS trusts and regions.
• Limited Post-Diagnostic Support: While diagnosis is a critical first step, ongoing support services – such as specific therapies, coaching, or long-term medication management for neurodevelopmental conditions – are often limited or non-existent through the NHS due to resource constraints. Patients might be discharged with minimal follow-up.
• Focus on Crisis Management: The NHS, by necessity, often prioritises urgent and acute care, meaning chronic, non-life-threatening conditions receive less immediate attention.
• Staffing Shortages: A national shortage of specialist neurodevelopmental professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and occupational therapists, exacerbates the problem.

This challenging environment pushes many individuals and families to explore private options, seeking a quicker path to diagnosis and tailored support.

Private Healthcare for Neurodiversity: What's Available?

The private healthcare sector offers a stark contrast to the NHS in terms of accessibility and breadth of services, though at a significant financial cost without insurance.

Benefits of Private Neurodiversity Services

• Reduced Wait Times: Typically, appointments for assessments and initial consultations can be secured within weeks, not months or years.
• Specialist Access: Direct access to highly experienced neurodevelopmental specialists, including psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and paediatricians.
• Personalised Approach: Private clinics often offer more tailored and comprehensive assessment processes, allowing for deeper dives into individual profiles.
• Broader Range of Therapies: Access to a wider array of evidence-based therapies and interventions that might not be readily available on the NHS, such as specific types of coaching, sensory integration therapy, or specialised psychotherapy.
• Continuity of Care: Potentially greater continuity with a single specialist or team throughout the assessment and initial support phases.

Typical Private Services and Costs

The costs associated with private neurodiversity services can be substantial, making private medical insurance an attractive, albeit complex, proposition.

These costs highlight why relying solely on self-funding can be prohibitive for many, reinforcing the interest in private medical insurance.

Private Medical Insurance (PMI): The Fundamentals

Private Medical Insurance, also known as private health insurance, is designed to cover the costs of private medical treatment for acute conditions that arise after your policy has started. Understanding its core principles is vital before considering its application to neurodiversity.

What Does PMI Cover?

PMI typically covers the cost of private healthcare for acute medical conditions. An acute condition is defined as:

• A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment.
• That returns you to the state of health you were in before the condition developed.
• Or that leads to your full recovery.

This often includes conditions requiring surgery, short-term treatment for specific illnesses, or diagnostic tests for new symptoms.

Key Terms and Concepts

The Million-Dollar Question: Can PMI Cover Neurodiversity?

This is where the nuances of private medical insurance become critically important. The simple answer is: partially, and primarily for assessment, not long-term management.

The core challenge lies in the definition of "chronic condition" and "pre-existing condition." Neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD and Autism are, by their nature, lifelong. Once diagnosed, they are classified as chronic. This means that private health insurance policies, which universally exclude chronic conditions, will not cover ongoing treatment, long-term medication, or continuous support specifically for the neurodivergent condition itself.

What PMI May Cover (The Key Areas)

The most significant value of PMI for neurodiversity lies in the diagnostic phase and potentially for acute mental health conditions that arise secondary to undiagnosed or unmanaged neurodiversity.

1. Diagnostic Assessments for Suspected New Conditions:

   • If you or your child develop new symptoms that lead to a suspicion of a neurodevelopmental condition, and you have no prior history of diagnosis or treatment for these specific symptoms, the initial assessment might be covered.
   • This is typically classified as an "investigation of symptoms" or "diagnostic testing" under the out-patient benefit. Insurers view it as assessing an acute problem (the undiagnosed symptoms) to determine a cause.
   • This includes consultations with a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, and the specific diagnostic tests (e.g., ADOS-2, DIVA-5, psycho-educational assessments).
   • Crucial Caveat: If the assessment leads to a diagnosis of ADHD or Autism, that condition then becomes "chronic." The insurance will typically cover the assessment itself, and possibly a short-term initial follow-up to discuss the diagnosis and immediate next steps. However, all ongoing treatment, long-term medication, or support for the now-diagnosed chronic condition would cease to be covered.

2. Acute Mental Health Conditions (Secondary to Neurodiversity):

   • Many neurodivergent individuals, particularly if undiagnosed or unsupported, develop secondary mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or burnout.
   • If these conditions are deemed acute (meaning they are expected to resolve with short-term treatment and are not the neurodiversity itself), PMI may cover short-term interventions.
   • This could include a limited number of sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, or medication management for the acute mental health issue.
   • Distinction is Key: The insurer will rigorously distinguish between treatment for the acute mental health condition (potentially covered) and treatment for the underlying neurodiversity (not covered). For example, therapy to manage acute anxiety might be covered, but coaching specifically for executive function challenges related to ADHD would not.

3. Specific Policy Wording and Mental Health Riders:

   • Some policies offer enhanced mental health benefits, which might include a higher limit for out-patient psychiatric consultations or a greater number of therapy sessions. Even with these riders, the core exclusion for chronic conditions usually remains.
   • It's vital to read the policy wording carefully. Some insurers might explicitly mention "neurodevelopmental conditions" under their exclusions or list specific types of assessments they will cover.

What PMI Typically Will Not Cover

The list of exclusions is extensive and critical to understand:

• Pre-existing Conditions: If you had symptoms, received advice, or were diagnosed with any neurodevelopmental condition or related mental health issue before taking out the policy, it will be excluded. This is a common pitfall. Many people have had lifelong symptoms of ADHD or Autism without a formal diagnosis; these symptoms would likely render the condition pre-existing under moratorium underwriting.
• Chronic Conditions: As discussed, once diagnosed, ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, etc., are considered chronic. This means PMI will not cover:
  • Ongoing medication prescriptions or reviews for the diagnosed neurodevelopmental condition.
  • Long-term therapy, coaching, or support specifically aimed at managing the core symptoms of neurodiversity.
  • Educational support, special educational needs (SEN) provision, or therapies aimed at learning difficulties (e.g., dyslexia tutoring, speech and language therapy unless it's part of an acute, covered condition).
  • Social skills training, occupational therapy for sensory processing differences, or behavioural interventions for diagnosed neurodevelopmental conditions.
• Conditions that have no known cure or are permanent: This applies directly to neurodevelopmental conditions.
• Routine developmental checks or screening.
• Experimental or unproven treatments.
• Self-inflicted injuries or conditions arising from addiction (unless specifically covered by a comprehensive mental health package).

Table: What's Covered vs. What's Not (General Guide)

This table highlights the fundamental principle: PMI is generally for acute, curable conditions, or for diagnosing an unknown acute problem. Once a condition is identified as chronic, or if symptoms existed before the policy, coverage typically ceases or is never initiated.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Policy

If you're considering PMI with neurodiversity in mind, these factors are paramount:

1. Underwriting Method

The choice between Moratorium and Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) is critical.

• Moratorium Underwriting:

  • Pros: Simpler to apply for, no need to disclose full medical history upfront. Quicker to get cover.
  • Cons: Less upfront clarity. Any condition you've had symptoms, advice, or treatment for in the last five years is automatically excluded. If you then go symptom-free for two continuous years on the policy, it may become covered – but this rarely applies to neurodevelopmental conditions which are lifelong.
  • Implication for Neurodiversity: If you or your child have ever had symptoms that could relate to ADHD, Autism, or other neurodevelopmental traits (e.g., attention issues, social difficulties, sensory sensitivities, learning struggles), even without a diagnosis, a Moratorium policy would likely deem these as pre-existing and exclude any related assessment or treatment. This makes it very challenging for anyone who suspects a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition.

• Full Medical Underwriting (FMU):

  • Pros: Provides clear exclusions from the outset. You know exactly what is and isn't covered.
  • Cons: Longer application process, requires detailed medical history and potentially a GP report.
  • Implication for Neurodiversity: If you declare past symptoms related to neurodevelopmental conditions, the insurer will explicitly exclude them. If you have no prior history of symptoms or diagnosis, FMU could be the clearest path to coverage for a newly suspected condition's assessment. However, the insurer will scrutinise your history intensely.

2. Out-patient Benefit Limits

Neurodiversity assessments and most therapies are conducted on an out-patient basis. Ensure your chosen policy has:

• Sufficient Out-patient Cover: Many basic policies have very low or no out-patient limits. You need a policy with a robust out-patient allowance, ideally covering consultations and diagnostic tests up to the full policy limit, or at least a high specific limit (e.g., £1,500 - £3,000+). This is where the cost of a full private neurodevelopmental assessment will primarily be covered, if at all.
• Mental Health Out-patient Cover: Check specific limits for psychiatric consultations and psychological therapy sessions. Some policies have a separate, often lower, limit for mental health.

3. Mental Health Coverage Inclusions

While chronic mental health is excluded, look for policies that offer strong mental health support for acute conditions.

• Psychiatric Care: Does it cover consultations with psychiatrists?
• Psychological Therapies: Does it cover sessions with psychologists or accredited therapists (e.g., CBT, psychotherapy)? How many sessions are included per condition or per year?
• Medication: Does it cover the cost of medication prescribed by private specialists for acute conditions? (Note: ongoing medication for chronic conditions is generally excluded, even if prescribed privately).

4. Choice of Specialists and Networks

• Ensure the insurer's approved network includes specialists in neurodevelopmental conditions (psychiatrists, clinical psychologists) if you plan to use it for assessments.
• Some insurers might have specific criteria for who they will authorise for neurodevelopmental assessments.

5. Excess and Premiums

• Excess: A higher excess will reduce your monthly premium, but you'll pay more out-of-pocket when you claim. Consider what you can comfortably afford.
• Premiums: These vary significantly based on age, location, chosen benefits, and underwriting. Get multiple quotes.

6. Policy Wording and Exclusions

This cannot be stressed enough. Read the small print. Pay particular attention to:

• Definitions of "acute" and "chronic" conditions.
• Exclusions related to "neurodevelopmental disorders," "learning difficulties," "developmental delays," or similar terms. Some policies might explicitly list ADHD or Autism as an exclusion.
• Rules around "pre-existing conditions" under your chosen underwriting method.

The Application Process and Making a Claim

Navigating PMI requires a clear understanding of the procedural steps.

Applying for a Policy

1. Gather Information: Have your medical history (and your child's, if applying for family cover) readily available. This includes any past diagnoses, symptoms, treatments, or even concerns raised by doctors or teachers, even if not formally diagnosed.
2. Choose Underwriting: Decide between Moratorium and Full Medical Underwriting based on your history and desire for clarity. If applying for FMU, be prepared for potential requests for GP reports.
3. Be Honest and Transparent: This is paramount. Failing to disclose relevant medical history can lead to claims being declined, or your policy being cancelled. It is better to have a condition explicitly excluded upfront than to find out a claim is rejected when you need it most.
4. Review the Quote: Understand the premium, excess, and what is specifically included/excluded in your personalised quote.

Making a Claim for an Assessment or Support

1. Consult Your GP: Even with private insurance, it's often advisable to start with your NHS GP. They can provide a referral to a private specialist. Some insurers require a GP referral for certain private consultations.
2. Identify a Specialist: Find a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist experienced in neurodiversity assessments who is recognised by your insurer. You can often search the insurer's "provider network."
3. Request Pre-authorisation: Always, always, always contact your insurer for pre-authorisation before booking any consultations, tests, or treatments.
   • Explain the symptoms you are experiencing.
   • State that you are seeking a diagnostic assessment for a newly suspected condition.
   • Provide the specialist's details and the proposed treatment plan/tests.
   • The insurer will review your request against your policy terms and confirm what they will cover (e.g., "up to 3 consultations and a diagnostic assessment for suspected ADHD").
   • This is where the insurer determines if the condition is pre-existing or chronic. If they believe it is, they will likely decline authorisation.
4. Attend Appointments: Proceed with the authorised consultations and assessments.
5. Submit Invoices: The specialist or hospital will usually invoice the insurer directly, or you may pay and then claim reimbursement. Ensure you keep all invoices and medical reports.

What if a Claim is Denied?

If your pre-authorisation request or claim is denied, the insurer should provide a reason.

• Pre-existing Condition: If denied due to pre-existing conditions, review your application and the underwriting method. If you believe there's a misunderstanding, you can appeal with supporting medical evidence.
• Chronic Condition: If denied because the condition is deemed chronic, this is generally a standard exclusion for PMI. There is often little recourse here, as this is fundamental to how PMI works.
• Benefit Limits: If denied because you've exceeded your out-patient or mental health limits, you will need to self-fund any further treatment.

Understanding these limitations upfront is key to avoiding disappointment.

Real-Life Scenarios: How PMI Might Play Out

Let's illustrate with some hypothetical, yet common, scenarios:

Scenario 1: The Adult Seeking a First ADHD Assessment

• Situation: Sarah, 32, has always struggled with focus, organisation, and restlessness. She's recently learned about adult ADHD and recognises many traits. She's never seen a doctor about these specific symptoms before, nor received a diagnosis. She takes out a new private medical insurance policy with robust out-patient mental health cover under Moratorium underwriting.
• PMI Outcome: Sarah contacts her insurer, explaining she's experiencing new difficulties with concentration affecting her work and suspects ADHD. As she has no documented history of these symptoms within the moratorium period, and no prior diagnosis, the insurer may pre-authorise an initial psychiatric consultation and a full ADHD diagnostic assessment.
• Post-Diagnosis: If diagnosed with ADHD, the insurer will cover the cost of the assessment. However, ADHD is a chronic condition. They will then not cover ongoing medication, coaching, or long-term therapy specifically for managing her ADHD. They might cover a short period of therapy for acute anxiety she develops due to the stress of diagnosis, if deemed separate and treatable.

Scenario 2: Child with Suspected Autism, Long NHS Wait

• Situation: Liam, 7, has always struggled with social interaction and communication. His parents suspect Autism, and his school has raised concerns. They are on an NHS waiting list for an Autism assessment which is estimated to be 3 years long. They decide to get a private health insurance policy for Liam.
• PMI Outcome: The parents apply for a policy for Liam. Under Moratorium, they must declare any symptoms or concerns that have led them to suspect Autism. As Liam has a history of these symptoms, the insurer will likely exclude anything related to neurodevelopmental conditions due to them being pre-existing.
• Alternative (FMU): If they chose FMU and declared the concerns, the insurer would likely put an explicit exclusion on "neurodevelopmental conditions" from the start.
• Conclusion: In Liam's case, private health insurance would likely not cover the Autism assessment because the symptoms were pre-existing. The family would likely need to self-fund the private assessment or continue on the NHS waitlist. This highlights the importance of policy timing relative to symptom onset.

Scenario 3: Undiagnosed Neurodiversity and Acute Mental Health Crisis

• Situation: David, 45, has been experiencing severe depression and burnout. He has private health insurance. During therapy for his depression, his therapist suggests his symptoms might be linked to undiagnosed Autism and ADHD traits.
• PMI Outcome: His private health insurance would likely cover the initial consultations and therapy for his acute depression and burnout. If the therapist recommended a diagnostic assessment for Autism/ADHD as part of determining the root cause of his acute mental health crisis, the insurer might authorise the assessment, viewing it as an investigation.
• Post-Diagnosis: Once diagnosed, the Autism and ADHD would be classified as chronic. The insurer would continue to cover the acute depression if it remains a treatable condition, but not the ongoing management of the newly diagnosed neurodivergent conditions.

These scenarios underline that while PMI can be incredibly valuable for getting a diagnosis for a newly emerging suspected condition, its utility for long-term neurodiversity support is highly limited due to the chronic nature of these conditions and the pre-existing conditions clause.

Working with a Broker: WeCovr's Role

Navigating the complexities of private medical insurance, particularly when considering neurodiversity, can be daunting. This is where an independent health insurance broker becomes an invaluable asset.

As WeCovr, we specialise in helping individuals, families, and businesses find the most suitable private medical insurance from across the entire UK market. Our expertise is particularly beneficial in niche areas like neurodiversity support.

How WeCovr Can Help You

1. Independent Expertise: We are not tied to any single insurer. This means we can provide unbiased advice and compare policies from all major UK providers (e.g., Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva, WPA, National Friendly, Freedom Health Insurance, Exeter, and more). We understand the subtle differences in their policy wordings, especially concerning mental health and diagnostic assessments.
2. Navigating Complexity: The definitions of "acute" vs. "chronic" and the intricacies of "pre-existing conditions" are where most people get stuck. We can help you understand how your specific health history might be viewed by different insurers under various underwriting methods. We can guide you on the implications of a suspected or existing neurodivergent condition.
3. Tailored Recommendations: Based on your specific needs, budget, and health history, we will recommend the policies that offer the best chance of covering what you are looking for, such as diagnostic assessments for newly suspected neurodiversity. We'll highlight the strengths and limitations of each option.
4. Saving You Time and Money: We do the legwork of comparing policies, negotiating on your behalf, and explaining the jargon. Our service comes at no additional cost to you, as we are paid a commission by the insurer once a policy is taken out.
5. Ongoing Support: Our relationship doesn't end once you've purchased a policy. We are here to answer questions, assist with policy renewals, and offer guidance if you need to make a claim.

We understand that seeking a neurodiversity assessment or support is a deeply personal and often urgent matter. Our goal at WeCovr is to provide clarity and peace of mind, ensuring you find a policy that genuinely meets your needs, given the inherent limitations of PMI for chronic conditions. We are here to simplify the process and empower you to make an informed decision for your health and well-being.

Beyond Insurance: Other Avenues for Support

While private health insurance can play a role, it's essential to recognise that it's not the only, or always the complete, solution for neurodiversity support. Many other avenues exist:

1. NHS Services: Despite the wait times, the NHS is still the primary provider of diagnostic services and some post-diagnostic support. It's crucial to remain on NHS waiting lists even if pursuing private assessment.
2. Self-Funding: For those who can afford it, self-funding private assessments and specific therapies offers the quickest access without insurance limitations.
3. Charities and Non-Profits: Organisations like the National Autistic Society, ADHD UK, Dyslexia Action, and others provide invaluable resources, information, support groups, and often subsidised services.
4. Workplace Support: Many employers are becoming more neurodiversity-inclusive, offering workplace adjustments, coaching, and access to occupational health assessments. The "Access to Work" scheme from the government can also provide grants for workplace support.
5. Educational Settings: Schools, colleges, and universities have legal obligations to provide reasonable adjustments and support for neurodivergent students, often through their Special Educational Needs (SEN) departments or disability support services.
6. Online Resources and Communities: A wealth of information, peer support, and self-help strategies are available online through forums, social media groups, and dedicated websites.
7. Private Therapeutic Support: Independent therapists specialising in areas like executive function coaching, specific learning difficulty interventions, or neurodiversity-affirming psychotherapy are available for self-funded sessions.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices for Neurodiversity Support

The journey to understanding and supporting neurodiversity is unique for everyone. Private Medical Insurance can be a powerful tool, particularly for expediting critical diagnostic assessments for newly suspected conditions. It offers a route to bypass the often-prohibitive NHS waiting lists, providing timely access to specialist expertise and clarity.

However, it is vital to approach PMI with realistic expectations. Due to the inherent nature of neurodevelopmental conditions as lifelong, chronic conditions, and the standard exclusions for pre-existing and chronic conditions in PMI policies, ongoing, long-term management, medication, or therapies specifically for your diagnosed neurodiversity are generally not covered. PMI's role is largely focused on acute, short-term issues or the initial diagnostic phase of new conditions.

By understanding these distinctions, carefully scrutinising policy wordings, and considering your unique circumstances and medical history, you can make an informed decision. For those looking to navigate this intricate landscape, seeking expert, independent advice from a broker like WeCovr can provide invaluable clarity and guidance, helping you compare options from all major UK insurers and find the most suitable coverage without any cost to you.

Ultimately, a multi-faceted approach, combining the potential benefits of private insurance for diagnosis with the long-term support offered by the NHS, charities, and other resources, is often the most comprehensive strategy for supporting neurodivergent individuals in the UK.