Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to his Department's guidance entitled Independent review into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism, published on 4 December 2025, what steps he will take to (a) engage and (b) consult with (i) children and (ii) parents with lived experience.

The Department is committed to ensuring that the independent review into mental health conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism reflects the voices of those with lived experience.

As stated in the terms of reference published on the GOV.UK website, the independent review will work closely with people with lived experience of mental health conditions, ADHD, and autism across different age groups, including young people, and reflect under-represented groups. It will also consult closely with parents and carers, key partners, and wider clinical and academic experts as appropriate. The terms of reference are available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-review-into-mental-health-conditions-adhd-and-autism-terms-of-reference/independent-review-into-mental-health-conditions-adhd-and-autism-terms-of-reference#outputs

The review Chair and Vice-Chairs are currently developing their approach to engaging with lived experience groups.