The independent review, chaired by Professor Peter Fonagy and published on Friday 9 October, found mental distress among children and young people has risen substantially. It points to social media, financial insecurity, uncertainty about the future, poorer sleep and weaker feelings of connection and belonging

It found ADHD and autism referrals and diagnoses have risen significantly, but overall prevalence appears broadly stable

The government says it will move to support based on need rather than diagnosis, setting out more in a Mental Health Strategy due in the coming months. It restates existing commitments, including Mental Health Support Teams in every school and college by 2029

It also plans to make ADHD and autism assessments CQC regulated, write to the Advertising Standards Authority about adverts for assessment services, and bring in a national NHS tariff from April 2027

Fonagy said diagnosis must be protected but should be “no longer the only door through which help can be reached”