GambleAware releases new tools to support neurodivergent people alongside research highlighting how they are affected by gambling harm

• Research published by charity shows how some neurodivergent people, such as those with ADHD or autism, may have an increased likelihood of experiencing gambling harms.
• New tools are designed to support therapists and practitioners working with people who experience both gambling harms and neurodivergence.
• The new report highlights how some neurodivergent people use gambling as a coping mechanism and face barriers, such as stigma, when it comes to accessing help and support.
• The report identifies six key principles for how to effectively support neurodivergent people experiencing gambling harm.

A new report and resources, designed to improve support for neurodivergent people experiencing gambling harm¹, have been published by GambleAware, the leading charity working to keep people safe from gambling harms in Great Britain. 

Previous research has found that some neurodivergent people, such as those with ADHD or autism may have an increased likelihood of experiencing gambling harms. They may gamble to manage social isolation, as a coping mechanism, or because of increased impulsivity, hyperfocus, and a preference for rules, order and routine. 

Paul Nash, who has experience of gambling harm, said: “When you’re autistic having a routine is important, and for me gambling was about having a routine, each day I would gamble so I felt that I needed to continue doing that. It was also a fixation of associating my favourite hobby, sport, with making money. I had an eleven-year addiction but thankfully I’ve now been in recovery for just two years and ten months. Recovery gave me a light at the end of the tunnel and a new purpose in life.”

The new report highlights how neurodivergent people often face barriers to accessing gambling support, including not being aware that there are specialist treatment services available. Stigma and fear of judgement also discourage them from seeking help for gambling harm.

 
The resources commissioned by GambleAware have been specifically designed to enable therapists and practitioners to improve the support they provide for clients with both gambling harms and neurodivergence, so that those clients can get the tailored support they need. The resources – which bring together research evidence, insights from lived experience, and expert guidance – include training materials, toolkits, and case studies designed to build confidence, reduce barriers, and promote inclusive, effective support.  

The resources were created by IFF Research and Ara Recovery for All. They are based on the GambleAware-funded research project which was delivered in partnership with academics from the University of Bristol, and aimed to explore whether neurodivergent people face an increased risk of experiencing gambling harms². 

Alongside the resources, the research published today includes six key principles upon which gambling support and treatment approaches should be based in order to provide the best possible support for service users with neurodivergence:

• 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.

Anna Hargrave, GambleAware CEO, said: “The new report highlights the complex link between neurodivergence and gambling. 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.”

“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.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Neurodivergence describes the variation in how people experience and process the world, commonly associated with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia. Neurodivergent characteristics can influence communication, learning, sensory experiences, and approaches to problem-solving. It is estimated that around 15% of the UK population are neurodivergent.

2. The research also aimed to identify the key drivers behind gambling harms among neurodivergent people; examine barriers to accessing formal and informal gambling support; and establish best practices and principles for effective support, treatment, communication, and engagement tailored to neurodivergent people.