Setting the Record Straight: Why Nigel Farage’s Claims on Children’s Mental Health and SEND Are Deeply Misleading
In recent days, Nigel Farage made headlines again, this time, drawing fierce criticism for his comments about children’s mental health and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Speaking at a Reform UK press event, Farage claimed that conditions like autism and ADHD are being “hugely over diagnosed,” often casually by GPs over Zoom, and that young people are being wrongly encouraged into a “victim” mentality.
It’s a bold narrative. It’s also dangerously inaccurate.
In a world where families are already struggling to access the care and support their children desperately need, spreading misinformation like this only deepens misunderstanding and stigma.
The Reality: Diagnosis is Rigorous, Not Casual
Farage paints a picture of hasty diagnoses handed out over Zoom calls with GPs.
But here’s what’s real: the path to a diagnosis of autism, ADHD, or any similar condition in the UK is anything but quick or casual. I’m sure there are lots of parents and educators nodding right now.
Children go through detailed, often lengthy, multidisciplinary assessments. Educational psychologists, clinical psychologists, speech and language therapists, these are the people involved. A GP may refer a child onward, but they do not diagnose complex conditions like autism.
The National Autistic Society has been direct: Farage’s statements are “fake news.”
To pretend otherwise ignores the profound journey families go through to have their children’s needs understood.
The True Crisis: Under diagnosis, Not Overdiagnosis
Farage argues that mental health issues are being over diagnosed. The evidence says otherwise. I’m unsure if Farrage is classing ND individuals as having a mental health condition but they are not the same.
According to NHS data, one in five children and young people aged eight to 25 had a probable mental disorder in 2023. Yet, less than half of those who needed help had any contact with Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) during that time. I know so many parents who re crying out to receive the right support and intervention for their child.
In reality, countless children slip through the cracks, never receiving the diagnosis, support, or understanding they deserve. Families often fight for months, even years, for access to assessments and care.
The system isn’t flooded with false diagnoses.
It’s weighed down by unmet need.
Waiting Times: A System Under Strain
If diagnoses were happening as easily as Farage claims, why are families waiting so long?
Currently, many children and families are waiting over 18 months for an autism assessment, far beyond the NHS’s 13-week target. These heartbreaking delays reveal a truth Farage’s narrative conceals:
The need is overwhelming, and the system cannot keep pace.
These aren’t young people seeking labels for no reason. They are seeking validation, support, and tools for a life they can thrive in. Often, they need a clear diagnosis to help them understand how they can better manage their condition or explain why they process information differently.
Debunking the “Disability Register” Myth
Farage also referenced the idea of placing individuals on a “disability register” at age 18, suggesting a conveyor belt of diagnoses leading to permanent welfare dependency.
Again, this is factually incorrect. The UK does not have a national disability register.
Eligibility for support is determined through rigorous assessments. Each case is judged individually, based on need, not age or diagnosis alone. Farage’s framing misrepresents the very systems designed to protect and empower vulnerable individuals.
Expert Voices Are Clear: Farage is Wrong
Leading mental health and disability advocacy groups have been vocal.
- Rethink Mental Illness called his comments “misguided, harmful, and totally out of touch.”
- The National Autistic Society highlighted the emotional and logistical barriers families already face in securing timely diagnoses.
- Mental health charities across the UK have warned that such comments perpetuate stigma, increase shame, and could deter families from seeking help.
The reality these organisations see every day on the ground is a far cry from Farage’s sweeping generalisations.
Why This Matters
Words shape realities. When public figures diminish or distort the experiences of families navigating SEND and mental health challenges, it doesn’t just cause offence, it causes harm.
It stigmatises difference. It fuels scepticism. It increases isolation for those already fighting invisible battles.
In a society struggling with rising mental health needs and systemic under-resourcing, the last thing we need is to blame the children and families trying to survive it.
Misdiagnosis and Under diagnosis: A Hidden Crisis
Farage’s assertions overlook a significant issue: many neurodivergent individuals are either misdiagnosed or remain undiagnosed, leading to inadequate support and understanding.
The Overlap of Symptoms
Conditions like autism and ADHD often share symptoms or presenting characteristics with other conditions, leading to misdiagnosis. For instance, a study published in Pediatrics found that children initially diagnosed with ADHD were nearly 30 times more likely to receive an autism diagnosis after age six compared to those first diagnosed with autism. This delay can hinder access to tailored interventions during critical developmental periods.Child Mind Institute
Diagnostic Overshadowing
A phenomenon known as “diagnostic overshadowing” occurs when a person’s symptoms are attributed to an existing diagnosis, causing clinicians to overlook co-occurring conditions. This is particularly prevalent among neurodivergent individuals, where behaviours associated with autism or ADHD might be misinterpreted as symptoms of anxiety or depression .Wikipedia
Gender Disparities in Diagnosis
Gender biases further complicate accurate diagnosis. Girls with ADHD often exhibit less overt hyperactivity, leading to under recognition. Similarly, autistic girls may mask their symptoms, resulting in delayed or missed diagnoses.
The Struggle for Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Accessing PIP presents additional hurdles for neurodivergent individuals.The Brain Charity+1DISABLED ENTREPRENEUR – DISABILITY UK+1
Challenges in the Assessment Process
The PIP assessment framework often fails to accommodate the nuances of neurodivergent conditions. For example, the criteria may not adequately consider the impact of sensory sensitivities, executive functioning difficulties, or social communication challenges on daily living .DISABLED ENTREPRENEUR – DISABILITY UK
High Rates of Claim Denials
Statistical data reveals concerning trends:
- Approximately 32.6% of PIP applications related to autistic individuals have been disallowed since the benefit’s introduction .GOV.UK+1King’s College London+1
- Individuals with mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, face similar challenges, with a significant proportion of claims being denied .Latest news & breaking headlines
Impact of Policy Reforms
Recent government proposals aim to tighten PIP eligibility criteria, potentially affecting up to 1.2 million disabled individuals. Such reforms could disproportionately impact neurodivergent people, exacerbating existing barriers to support.ndperspective.co.uk+4The Guardian+4DISABLED ENTREPRENEUR – DISABILITY UK+4DISABLED ENTREPRENEUR – DISABILITY UK+2ndperspective.co.uk+2Latest news & breaking headlines+2
Conclusion
Farage’s narrative simplifies a complex landscape where misdiagnosis, under diagnosis, and systemic challenges hinder neurodivergent individuals from receiving appropriate support. Rather than attributing the rise in diagnoses to overdiagnosis, it’s imperative to recognise and address the multifaceted obstacles these individuals face.
A Closing Reflection
Every child and adult, deserves to be seen, heard, and supported, not shamed or doubted.
Every parent deserves a system that meets them with care, not barriers.
And every diagnosis, when it happens, should be recognised for what it truly is: a key that helps unlock understanding, support, and possibility.
