New research from GambleAware has shown that neurodivergent people may be more at risk of experiencing gambling harms as they use gambling as a coping mechanism.
As such, new resources are now available to improve gambling harm support for neurodivergent people, which utilises research, lived experience insights and expert guidance.
Six key principles have also been identified that gambling support and treatment for neurodivergent people should be based on.
Complex link between neurodivergence and gambling
Neurodivergence describes how people experience and process the world and is commonly associated with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia. It affects communication, learning, sensory experiences and problem-solving. Around 15% of the UK population is estimated to be neurodivergent.
GambleAware noted that new research has shown neurodivergent people may gamble “to manage social isolation, as a coping mechanism, or because of increased impulsivity, hyperfocus, and a preference for rules, order and routine”.
The charity also said that neurodivergent people frequently come across obstacles when trying to access gambling support, such as being unaware that support is available, as well as stigma and fear of judgement when looking for help.
With that, six key principles have been outlined that gambling support and treatment for neurodivergent people should be based upon to provide the best possible service:
- Understanding and adapting to the diversity of communication needs that neurodivergent people have.
- Ensuring clarity and simplicity in communications with neurodivergent people.
- Providing support in ways that promote the autonomy and independence of clients with neurodivergence.
- Providing support in an environment that considers the sensory needs of people with neurodivergence, such as reducing the risks of overstimulation.
- Promoting the use of self-directed approaches, such as self-help tools and informal support, such as peer networks.
- Making sure staff are trained in neurodiversity awareness and different communication methods.
“The new report highlights the complex link between neurodivergence and gambling,” commented Anna Hargrave, CEO of GambleAware.
“Characteristics of neurodivergence like impulsivity, hyperfocus, social difficulties, and a need for stimulation drive gambling behaviour and increase harms, while stigma, shame, and lack of tailored support further isolate neurodivergent people and make it harder for them to seek help.”
Tailored neurodivergent support
In response, new resources have been developed by IFF Research and Ara Recovery for All, based on GambleAware-funded research that was produced in partnership with University of Bristol academics.
The research aimed to see if neurodivergent people face an increased risk of experiencing gambling harms, identify the key drivers for gambling harms among neurodivergent people, analyse formal and informal gambling support barriers, as well as establish support, treatment, communication and engagement best practices and principles.
Commissioned by the charity, the new resources aim to help therapists and practitioners with tailored gambling harm support for neurodivergent people, including training materials, toolkits, and case studies, each designed to build confidence, reduce barriers and promote inclusive, effective support.
Hargrave added: “The resources we have produced are designed to support therapists and practitioners working with clients who experience both gambling harms and neurodivergence.
“They address a critical evidence gap in understanding how gambling harms affect neurodivergent people and how treatment can be tailored most effectively to ensure it is as effective as possible.”
