Disability benefit claims for ADHD and autism surge fastest in England's wealthiest neighborhoods

A new study by the Nuffield Trust reveals that Personal Independence Payment claims for ADHD and autism among 16- and 17-year-olds have surged most sharply in England’s least-deprived neighbourhoods, climbing from 0.8% in 2019 to 2.5% in 2025. Although the highest overall rates remain in more deprived areas, those regions saw a slower increase, moving from 2.1% to 5.1% over the same period. Total claimants rose from 16,045 to 51,148, driving PIP expenditure for this age group to an estimated £296 million, with about £87 million paid to youths in the 40% least-deprived areas.

The analysis highlights a correlation between higher white-ethnicity populations and faster growth in claims, pointing to possible disparities in diagnosis access and ambiguities in how disability is assessed. Specific localities such as Runnymede (Surrey) and Bracknell Forest (Berkshire) experienced the steepest jumps, while deprived districts like Liverpool and Knowsley also saw notable increases. Nuffield Trust officials warn that rising demand is straining health services and that policy makers must ensure support is allocated fairly.