(England) 51,148 16 and 17 yos on govt support for ADHD, ASD costing $392M
TEENAGERS in Britain’s wealthiest neighbourhoods are driving a huge surge in disability benefit claims for ADHD and autism, new research has revealed.
The proportion of 16 and 17-year-olds claiming personal independence payment (PIP) for these conditions has more than tripled in the least deprived areas of England over the past six years.
Analysis by the Nuffield Trust found the rate in the most prosperous fifth of neighbourhoods rocketed from 0.8% in 2019 to 2.5% in 2025.
While claim rates remain highest overall in poorer areas, the pace of growth has been far slower there, rising from 2.1% to 5.1% over the same period.
Pip is the main benefit for people with a long-term physical or mental health condition, designed to help cover extra living costs and everyday tasks.
The total number of 16 and 17-year-olds across England receiving Pip for autism and ADHD has soared from 16,045 in 2019 to 51,148 this year, with spending now estimated at a staggering £296million [$392M].
Of that total, around £87million[$115M] was paid to youngsters in the 40% least deprived areas of the country, almost four times higher in real terms than the £22million spent there in 2019.
Some of the wealthiest parts of Britain have seen dramatic spikes.
In Runnymede, Surrey, claim rates jumped from one in 58 teenagers in 2019 to one in 19 by 2025.
Bracknell Forest in Berkshire saw a similar leap, from one in 89 to one in 20.
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