The demand for support for neurodiverse employees is rising sharply, with RedArc reporting almost double the number of referrals in two years.
The nurse-led support organisations that works with group risk providers and employers direct, said it saw a 55 per cent increase in demand for support where neurodiversity is the primary concern in 2023. In 2024 it said it saw almost twice the number of referrals when compared to 2022 figures.
RedArc said this growing is due to a number of factors, including and a lack of access to this support via mainstream health service due to long waiting lists.
It adds that autism and other conditions are more in the public eye, with a number of several high-profile celebrities such as Christine McGuinness, Melanie Sykes, and Tallulah Willis receiving late diagnoses and discussing their condition.
RedArc commercial director Christine Husbands says: “Support for neurodiversity needs to be provided by professionals experienced in supporting neurodiversity, who fully understand the range of conditions that fall under the collective term.
“One in five people have a neurodevelopmental condition1, such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia or Tourette’s syndrome and we’re pleased that this group are reaching out for the support they deserve.”
At the heart of RedArc’s services for neurodiverse conditions is a registered nurse, experienced in neurodiversity who can provide personalised, long-term one-to-one guidance and support for adults, and children (via their parents).
This support can comprise help with sourcing NHS and private assessments, navigating the NHS, advice on NICE guidelines re diagnosing and managing conditions, and signposting to local and national charities, occupational therapy and specialist counselling. It can also include practical advice on sleep, routines, and coping in the workplace or at school.
Ahead of World Autism Day (2 April) RedArc says it can advise people about how to get the most from appointments and understand a diagnosis. They also advise on the NHS Right to Choose which is available in England. This is a relatively new option for mental health services and means that if waiting lists are particularly high in a certain area, an individual can request to be seen elsewhere.
For those who want to have a private assessment, RedArc can guide them to ensure the assessment will be recognised by the NHS and that any prescribing will ultimately be supported by the NHS afterwards.
Husbands adds: “Organisations that provide support for physical and mental health must now really assess whether they are doing enough in terms of support for neurodiversity as well. This is a hugely growing area, and individuals with autism or any other complex neurodiverse condition, need to be able to access comprehensive support from specialists, without a long and agonising wait.”
