ADHD and autism diagnoses surge among over-50s

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 07:24 · Archive

Declarations of ADHD and autism among over-50s have risen by 79 per cent in seven months, according to travel insurance data.

Travel insurance provider Staysure reports that the number of over-50s declaring ADHD or autism rose from 2,613 in 2025 to 4,676 between January and July 2026, an increase of 79 per cent. Across all ages, ADHD declarations more than doubled, with 21,620 cases recorded in the first seven months of 2026 compared with 9,938 for the whole of 2025. Mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions overall were declared 335,739 times in the first seven months of 2026, a 72 per cent rise on the previous year.

Experts suggest the increase reflects a rise in diagnoses among older people rather than a sudden emergence of the conditions. Simon McCulloch, chief growth officer at Staysure, said: 'People are finally receiving a diagnosis including those in later life and having the good foresight to declare it on their cover.' He added that 'our data shows just how conditions such as ADHD, autism, anxiety and depression have increased dramatically in such a short space of time'.

The figures emerge as the Department of Health and Social Care releases an independent review into the diagnosis and overdiagnosis of neurodivergent conditions.

How it is being reported

• Over-50s 'finally receiving diagnosis' as ADHD and autism diagnoses surgeFresh data suggests a sharp rise in later-life diagnoses of ADHD and Autism as data shows more older travellers are disclosing the conditions when taking out cover.The Mirror · 11 Oct, 07:00
• Sharp rise in ADHD and autism among over-50s 'finally receiving diagnosis'New travel insurance figures suggest a growing number of older Brits are disclosing ADHD and autism, with experts suggesting many are only now being diagnosed.Daily Express · 11 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Staysure · Department of Health and Social Care · Simon McCulloch

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