Neurodivergent Services M&A Market
Neurodiversity encompasses a spectrum of neurological conditions including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others, that influence how individuals perceive, process, and respond to the world around them.
With an estimated 1 in 7 people in the UK considered neurodivergent, demand for services is rising [1].
Autism diagnoses alone have surged by 787% between 1998 and 2018 [2], reflecting greater public awareness and improved diagnostic practices. At a global scale, the autism diagnostics market is also projected to reach $47.3 billion by 2032, growing at a 4.6% CAGR from 2023 [3].
Our latest insights paper explores the key forces driving this growth and outlines the broader M&A outlook for neurodivergent services sector.
Key Growth Factors:
- Increased Diagnosis: Schemes such as NHS Right to Choose (RTC) have expanded access to assessments, although proposed changes could enable local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) the power to block referrals to independent providers.
- Digital Innovation: Tech-enabled platforms are transforming diagnostics and therapy, offering scalable solutions to alleviate pressure for face-to-face demand.
- Workplace Inclusion: Employers are investing in neurodiverse talent and shifting from service models designed for neurotypical populations to more neuro-inclusive frameworks.
- Private Sector Expansion: Long NHS waitlists with some 549,000 people waiting for ADHD assessments, are accelerating the growth towards independent service models [4].
- Education & Early Intervention: Schools and families are seeking personalised learning and behavioural support, driving greater innovation in child-focused services.
To learn more about the trends shaping the Neurodivergent Services space, read our latest paper.
If you would like to know more about the Neurodivergent Services M&A landscape after reading this paper, or have any other questions on the wider healthcare space, please do get in touch with Al-Munther Sultan.
Sources:
[1] “Neurodiversity” NHS England, June 7, 2024
[2] Ginny Russell et al, “Time trends in autism diagnosis over 20 years: a UK population-based cohort study” The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 63, no. 6 (2022): 674.
[3] “Autism Spectrum Disorder Market” Zion Market Research, February 2024.
[4] Amy Borret, “Almost 2.5mn people in England estimated to have ADHD” Financial Times, May 29, 2025
