NHS at risk of ‘system failures’ as demand for ADHD and autism care soars, inquiry finds

England-focused mental health review returns stark warning and calls for shift to needs-led' system

• Explainer | What has the Fonagy review found and what does it recommend?

• Analysis | No snowflakes': mental health review says today's youth have it harder and harms are real

The NHS in England is heading into a world of system failures" as it struggles to cope with relentlessly rising demand for mental health, ADHD and autism care, leaving those affected desperate for support, a government-commissioned inquiry has found.

The stark warning was made in a review led by Prof Peter Fonagy into the sharp rise in demand over recent decades for help with mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions.