UK and England policy and public affairs update
September/October update
Keep up to date with the latest policy news
We're helping to make sure occupational therapy is visible in key decisions across England and the rest of the UK – and we want you to be part of that momentum too.
RCOT UK Policy Bluesky account
Independent Review into Autism, ADHD and Mental Health published
What’s happening?
The Independent Review into Autism, ADHD and Mental Health, chaired by Professor Peter Fonagy, has been published. The Review highlights the importance of measuring success through people’s participation in everyday life and moving towards support based on individual needs, rather than making access dependent on a diagnosis. In a blog reflecting on the Review’s launch, RCOT’s Dr Sally Payne explores what its findings mean for occupational therapy.
Why this matters to you
Occupational therapists understand that what matters is not simply whether someone has received a diagnosis, but whether they can participate in the activities that give their lives meaning. With many people facing long waits for assessment, the emphasis on needs-led support creates opportunities to demonstrate how occupational therapy can help people access practical support earlier and overcome barriers in education, employment and everyday life.
What we’re doing
We are highlighting the contribution occupational therapy can make to delivering the Review’s ambitions, including sharing examples of effective support that helps people participate while waiting for assessment or diagnosis. We want to ensure that occupational therapy expertise informs how services develop and that the focus remains on improving people’s everyday lives.
Other key stories
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- connect with local professionals
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