neurodiversity diagnoses
Merton Council is addressing a rise in neurodiversity diagnoses and adolescent mental health needs.
Merton Council's Health and Wellbeing Board discussed a significant increase in neurodiversity diagnoses among children and adolescent mental health needs in October 2026. The board reviewed progress on the Merton Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030, which aims to address these issues, noting a growing demand for support services. Executive Director for Children, Lifelong Learning and Families, Bev Hendricks, highlighted a rise in adolescent social, emotional, and mental health support needs, mirrored by an increased need for intervention.
Neurodiversity diagnoses involve the identification and recognition of variations in brain function and behavioural traits, such as autism. No further council discussions or decisions on this topic are currently scheduled in the supplied material.
Key facts
- Merton Council's Health and Wellbeing Board met on October 1, 2026. Source
- The board discussed an increase in adolescent mental health needs. Source
- They also discussed a rise in neurodiversity diagnoses in children. Source
- Executive Director Bev Hendricks noted a rise in adolescent social, emotional, and mental health support needs. Source
- The Merton Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030 was reviewed. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 8 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.