Mental health and wellbeing of 0 to 25-year-olds
Various factors impact the mental health of Warwickshire’s children and young people. All local partners and organisations have a shared responsibility to enhance their mental health and wellbeing. To prevent adverse mental health outcomes, services and practitioners engaging with this demographic should actively contribute to positive mental health strategies.
The rise in mental health conditions, coupled with the anticipated population growth in the 0–25 age group, suggests a likely increase in mental health incidents. Consequently, recommendations from the JSNA should guide future commissioning activities, addressing capacity and demand concerns.
Recognising the strong link between physical and mental health, services should adopt a holistic approach, considering both aspects for optimal outcomes. The Millennium Cohort Study highlights the significance of addressing high Body Mass Index (BMI) in youth to prevent later mental health challenges.
To enhance mental health and wellbeing, emphasis should be on protective factors and proactive measures, intervening early to prevent deterioration. The 2022 NHS Mental Health of Children and Young People survey reveals a concerning 36.8% self-reported loneliness among 11-16-year-olds, underscoring the need to bolster social support networks.
Engagement mapping in Warwickshire identifies persistent social stigma around mental health among children and young people, necessitating targeted efforts to address and eliminate this stigma.
Warwickshire County Council Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA)
10 May 2023
| Autistic spectrum disorders - all people | 2023 | 2025 | 2030 | 2035 | 2040 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| People aged 18 to 24 predicted to have autistic spectrum disorders | 439 | 445 | 499 | 518 | 500 |
| People aged 25 to 34 predicted to have autistic spectrum disorders | 763 | 766 | 743 | 772 | 835 |
| People aged 35 to 44 predicted to have autistic spectrum disorders | 719 | 751 | 813 | 838 | 813 |
| People aged 45 to 54 predicted to have autistic spectrum disorders | 754 | 738 | 739 | 804 | 865 |
| People aged 55 to 64 predicted to have autistic spectrum disorders | 795 | 811 | 795 | 745 | 753 |
| Total population aged 18 to 64 predicted to have autistic spectrum disorders | 3,471 | 3,511 | 3,588 | 3,677 | 3,766 |
Source: Projecting Adult Needs and Service Information (PANSI)
The above table provides predictions for the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in different age groups between the years 2023 and 2040. The table provides the total population aged 18 to 64 in Warwickshire with ASD, which is expected to grow from 3,471 in 2023 to 3,766 in 2040. These predictions highlight a changing landscape in the prevalence of ASD among different age groups, with variations over the years.
Autism is a lifelong developmental condition which affects how people communicate with others and perceive the world. Autistic people often have significant sensory differences which can lead to being overwhelmed by pattern, colour, sound, smell, texture and taste, which in turn can lead to increased anxiety exhibited in behaviours that can challenge. It is paramount to ensure that any housing location, size and environment is designed with the residents’ needs at the heart.
Examples of good practice documents are listed below:
- the Department of Health and Social Care document ‘Building the Right Support Action Plan’
- Access to and Use of buildings: Approved Document (PDF, 1.7MB)
- NHSE have put together a checklist which can be used by developers to ensure the housing schemes being developed are fit for purpose:
- The NDTi summary - Considering and meeting the sensory needs of autistic people in housing
- The full housing report, including a checklist, developed by NDTi on behalf of the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Association of Directors of Adult Services (ADASS)
- A NICE endorsed checklist for Autism-Friendly Environments (PDF, 1.4MB)
Whilst Autism is, for some, associated with everyday challenges, it may also be associated with cognitive strengths and talents.
Early intervention plays a pivotal role in enhancing outcomes for autistic people. Timely diagnosis and targeted support, contribute to the development of essential life skills and overall wellbeing.
Promoting awareness, understanding and acceptance is key to creating environments where autistic people can thrive, and Warwickshire to be a place where our communities are more inclusive and welcoming for autistic people, supported appropriately by codesigned, commissioned services