DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2026.10751 ISSN: 0924-9338

Improving public policies for people with ADHD, Autism and AuDHD – Leveraging administrative data to understand current population level trends in Canada and learning from policies internationally

C. G. Roth, J. Zwicker, K. Fyie
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Introduction

People with ADHD and autism experience a wide range of adverse health, education and socio-economic outcomes. There are barriers and differences between the two diagnoses in accessing health and educational services and disability supports for children/youth.

Objectives

1. What are the recent prevalence rates, outcomes, and service uses of children/youth with ADHD, autism and AuDHD (dual diagnosis), and

2. How do policies internationally address ADHD and autism supports.

Methods

1. Statistical Analysis:
The study uses recent administrative data from the Province of British Columbia (BC) in Canada to describe prevalence rates, relationships with selected health, educational and socio-economic outcomes, as well as current access to supports and services received by children/youth (0-18 years old). Descriptive statistics and regression modelling is used (stratified based on social and demographic factors). Exposure: ADHD and/or autism diagnosis. Outcome variables: Mental health disorders, high school graduation, sexually transmitted diseases and criminal involvement. Potential modifiers: access to health care services (e.g. age of diagnosis, pharmacological treatment), public disability support use, education support use.

2. Policy Scan:
Analysis of Autism or ADHD targeted policies in English speaking OECD countries.

Results

Administrative data analysis:

Table 1.

Key Statistics on ADHD, Autism, and AuDHD among Children and Youth (2023)

Table 1. Long description.

Measure
ADHD
Autism
Prevalence
8.6% (m=5.7%, f= 2.92%)
3.3% (m=2.4%, f=0.9%)
Increase in diagnoses (10 years)
+103% +252%
Comorbid mental health condition
36% (m=32%, f=43%) 29% (m=27%, f=35%)
Comorbid neurodevelopmental condition
tbc 63% (m=64%, f=61%)
ADHD Prescription drug use
39% in 2014, 45% in 2023 –
Educational supports received
<20% <50%

Policy Scan Results: More policies exist related to autism. Policies rarely consider dual diagnosis. Most policies focus on health or education. Recent trend towards more cross-sectoral policy efforts.

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Image 1: Long description.

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Conclusions

Findings show increased rates of ADHD, autism and proportionately higher rates of dual diagnoses. There are global gaps in policy efforts to address the rapid increase of diagnoses. Recommendations can improve the design and access of health, educational and disability support services in Canada and internationally.

Disclaimer

All inferences, opinions, and conclusions drawn in these materials are those of the authors. They do not reflect the opinions or policies of the provider(s) of the data upon which they are based.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

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