Where neurodivergence and mental health intersect - research, resources, and policy.
The latest headlines at the intersection of neurodivergence and mental health.
Mental Health America's latest report finds nearly 1 in 4 U.S. adults experience mental illness annually. New York ranked highest for mental health access, Nevada lowest. Southern and rural states continue to face the greatest gaps in care due to provider shortages, cost, and insurance barriers.
Read more →Rula's 2026 State of Mental Health Report finds anxiety (63.7%) and depression (63.5%) have risen roughly 10% since last year. Financial stress is the top growing barrier to care, and 52.6% of U.S. adults have never tried therapy or psychiatry despite rising need.
Read more →After $2 billion in SAMHSA grants for addiction and mental health services were abruptly terminated, public outcry led the administration to reverse course and restore funding, preventing life-threatening disruptions to care for millions of Americans.
Read more →The U.S. is undergoing one of the most consequential behavioral health policy transformations in decades - federal legislation, reimbursement reforms, and state-level innovation are redefining how mental health and substance use services are financed and delivered.
Read more →A meta-analysis of 55 studies involving over 540,000 people found spiritual practices were associated with a 13% lower risk of hazardous alcohol and drug use, and 18% lower for weekly religious service attendees.
Read more →MHA's State of Mental Health report finds major depressive episodes in youth dropped from 18.1% to 15.4% and suicidal ideation fell from 12.3% to 10.1%. Still, 2.8 million youth experienced severe impairment and 1 in 4 lacked preventive care. Among adults, nearly 1 in 4 (60+ million) experienced mental illness in the past year.
Read more →A three-year study of over 1,200 patients found that autistic and ADHD individuals in eating disorder services experience greater psychological distress and poorer functioning - especially those with both conditions (AuDHD). Researchers urge screening for neurodivergence to enable person-centred care.
Read more →A new UK charity, neurobetter, launched an evidence-based Advice Hub, online peer support community, and local services directory designed specifically for neurodivergent people. With over 526,000 waiting for ADHD assessments and 254,000 for autism assessments in England, the charity aims to bridge the gap between diagnosis and accessible mental health support.
Read more →Researchers at the University of Bath studied nearly 5,000 adults and found ADHD traits were a stronger predictor of anxiety and depression than autistic traits. ADHD was more closely linked with depression while autism was more closely linked with anxiety, highlighting the need for tailored mental health support.
Read more →Up to 70% of neurodivergent children experience significant mental health problems, yet current support often fails them. The Centre for Mental Health's briefing argues that support should be a reasonable adjustment - not a treatment for difference - and calls for sensory-informed, play-based approaches.
Read more →💗 Let's all be kind!
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