ADHD Taskforce Report 2025: What You Actually Need to Know

June 20, 2025•2 min read

“ADHD costs the UK £17 billion a year - because we're not supporting people early enough”

ADHD Taskforce Report 2025: What You Actually Need to Know

(from your ADHD coach who read the whole thing, so you don’t have to)

The Independent ADHD Taskforce Just Published Their First Report. Here's My TL; DR

1. ADHD Is Everyone’s Business

ADHD isn’t just a medical issue. It impacts education, jobs, justice, and mental health. The current system is broken, and it’s costing the UK £17 billion a year.

ADHD = higher risk of school dropout, unemployment, prison, and illness, but this is preventable with the right support.

2. Waiting Times Are Out of Control

Some people are waiting up to 8 years for an ADHD diagnosis.

That’s not just frustrating, it’s dangerous. Without support, people are more likely to end up in A&E, jobless, or in crisis.

3. You Shouldn’t Have to “Prove” ADHD to Get Help

Support should be based on needs, not whether you’ve got a formal diagnosis.

Think: help at school, workplace adjustments, parenting support, all before seeing a specialist.

4. It’s Time for a New Model of Care

The current system relies on a few “super-specialists.” That’s not working.

The report calls for more general ADHD care in communities and GPs, with faster routes for complex cases. Like how we manage diabetes, not a 4-year waitlist

5. Services Are Stuck in the Stone Age

ADHD services are still paper-based (!!!)

Digitising admin and screening could make things faster, safer, and easier, if done well.

But tech must be evidence-based and ethical, not just another shiny app.

So What’s the Catch?

• The Taskforce has no power to implement anything.

• Part 2 (coming Summer 2025) will give more detail, but right now, this is just recommendations.

• It’s a hopeful shift, but pressure and accountability are needed.

What This Means For You