Research commissioned by restaurateur and chef Heston Blumenthal OBE, who has been diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar disorder, reveals that over one in ten (11%) individuals in the UK are officially diagnosed as neurodivergent. Among this group, 21% are not engaged in full-time or part-time paid employment.
The survey, which included over 1,000 participants, indicates that more than half (56%) of those who are neurodiverse are employed full-time, while 23% are employed part-time. The remaining 21% do not have any paid work. When asked if they work part-time due to difficulties finding full-time employment linked to their diagnoses, 24% agreed, 67% disagreed, and 9% preferred not to say. Notably, among male respondents, 40% reported working part-time because they could not secure full-time positions, compared to 18% of neurodiverse women.
The research also shows that most neurodivergent respondents did not receive their diagnoses until their late teens. Approximately 23% were diagnosed between the ages of five and 15, 17% between 15 and 20, 31% between 20 and 40, 8% between 40 and 50, and 7% after age 50.
Additionally, the survey found that 13% of respondents believe they are neurodivergent but have not been diagnosed. Two-thirds (67%) do not think they have a neurodivergent condition, while 21% are uncertain. The percentage of undiagnosed individuals is significantly higher among women (16%) than men (8%). Among those yet to be diagnosed but think they are neurodivergent, nearly three-quarters (74%) are employed by organizations, 9% are self-employed, and 18% are unemployed.
Heston Blumenthal, known for his acclaimed restaurants such as the three-Michelin-star Fat Duck and the two-Michelin-star Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, expressed disappointment regarding the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in finding paid employment. He emphasized that these individuals often possess specialized skills that can enhance workplace productivity, suggesting that UK businesses are missing out by not better supporting neurodivergent individuals.
Blumenthal also noted the concerning number of individuals who suspect they are neurodivergent but lack a diagnosis, as well as the high incidence of late diagnoses. He reflected on the benefits he could have gained from earlier diagnoses of his conditions, which would have allowed him to receive vital support in managing them and harnessing their positive aspects.
The research was conducted by Viewsbank among a nationally representative sample of 1,072 adults aged 18 and older, including 117 people with official diagnoses of neurodiverse conditions and another 117 who believe they are neurodivergent but lack a diagnosis. The survey took place from March 23 to March 24, 2024. Neurodivergent conditions include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, social anxiety disorders, and others.
