Neurodiversity roadshows highlight innovative approaches for autism and ADHD support

NHS England South East and the three health innovation networks within the region (Wessex, Oxford & Thames Valley, and Kent Surrey Sussex) hosted a series of online neurodiversity events in September, which focussed on demonstrating some of the innovations around autism and ADHD that are currently deployed nationally, internationally or that could potentially be used within the health service. 

To start this project, the South East health innovation networks were commissioned by NHS England to conduct a horizon scan to determine what innovative approaches and products are being used to support those identified – or who are waiting to be identified – with autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This work promoted ‘the art of the possible’, identifying innovations that were in early stages of development as well as those being used in mental health settings which could potentially be adapted to support people on the neurodiversity pathway. The horizon scan and resulting report will soon be available on FutureNHS and other NHS channels for wider engagement.   

The three roadshows, like the horizon scan, were organised and themed by priority areas, and it was decided in consultation with key stakeholders that these would be:

• Diagnostic approaches and screening 
• Pre and post diagnostic support
• Waiting list management.

The online events attracted over 100 attendees each (181 attendees in total) from across the health service, including clinicians, commissioners and innovators. The aim of each session was to showcase examples of the innovations being used within the UK health system that might support each specific theme. This involved demonstrating what might be available and identifying potential gaps in provision, rather than making recommendations or championing any particular initiative. The roadshows offered an opportunity to collectively consider what is currently available and to prompt deeper conversations about this important area of healthcare. The sessions included digital, structural and pathway innovations, with eight innovators presenting across the three roadshows. The hope is that health systems across the South East will have learnt about new innovations and ways of working and, as a result, be better able to adopt these to improve the outcomes and experiences of neurodivergent people.

NHS trusts across the country are developing approaches, often with innovators or researchers, to address the growing need for greater support for those with neurodiverse conditions. An overview of innovations that are currently being used, in early-stage development, or with the potential to be adapted to support the neurodiversity pathway will be presented to NHS England and commissioners, providing colleagues in the health system with a comprehensive list of 86 innovations all in one place. 

Natalie Percival, Regional Director of Nursing Professional and System Development for NHS England South East, said: 

“There is a growing need to adopt new and innovative approaches to improve the support and care that people with an ADHD and/or autism diagnosis, or those waiting for assessment, receive in our region. This project provided a key opportunity to showcase high level innovation from across the healthcare system and has kick-started encouraging discussion around what could be introduced or adapted for use in local neurodiversity pathways, whilst also highlighting gaps where more focus is required.” 

Matt Williams, Senior Programme Manager for Mental Health at Health Innovation Oxford & Thames Valley, said: 

“It has been great to collaborate with NHS England South East on this project.  Although these three online events mark the end of this project, they also represent the start of a broader conversation and – I sincerely hope – greater collaboration to improve the service that we are able to offer those with, or who suspect they have, autism or ADHD. Although we did not find that elusive ‘silver bullet’, we did find several interesting approaches, as well as identifying a need for further innovation in this space.”

Becca Randell, Mental Health Lead for Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex, said: 

“Continued innovation in this area is going to be vital. The Health Innovation Network creates national impact through local change and a focus on innovation, and by working together the three South East networks have been able to look at the art of the possible to support healthcare teams in our region.”