The new research has been published ahead of Neurodiversity Celebration Week which is taking place between 17thand 23rd arch 2025.
Mobilise, the UK’s largest community of unpaid carers, have published new research which highlights the majority of neurodivergent carers often struggle to cope with their responsibilities.
Portrait of a nonbinary autistic person outdoors
To give context, there are currently around 10 million unpaid carers in the UK and the new findings from Mobilise show more than two in five (43%) identify as neurodivergent – this includes individuals with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette’s and OCD.
Against this backdrop, the researchers found more than four in five (84%) unpaid carers who identify as neurodivergent said their condition impacts on their role. What’s more, nine out of 10 (90%) said balancing caring responsibilities with their own needs is more challenging.
For example, Saul, who has dyslexia and autism, has outlined some of the obstacles he’s faced while caring for his mother in Shropshire.
‘When I first started caring for my mum and had to navigate applying for things like Carer’s Allowance, I found that my dyslexia made it particularly difficult,’ Saul said. ‘Making sense of more formal letters about my Personal Independence Payment, for example, is also made more tricky by my learning difficulty. Fortunately I have someone I trust who helps me decode them.’
‘I’m also autistic, and that doesn’t always mesh well with the unpredictability of caring. I can find myself feeling anxious wondering what’s going to happen, and whether my mum might need to be rushed to the doctor. Connecting with other carers online has made a big difference. In=person events can be uncomfortable for me, but I find solace in talking to people who understand what I’m going through,’ he added.
Similarly, Wajidha, who has ADHD and cares for her partner in London, has also explained how she struggles with her role.
‘Looking after my husband has given me a sense of purpose and routine, which helps me with my ADHD in some ways. But being neurodivergent carer isn’t without its challenges,’ Wajidha said. ‘On particularly busy days, I can feel overwhelmed. I also sometimes struggle to fully understand what medical professionals are saying.’
Other findings from the report include:
56% of those surveyed said attending support groups in person is more challenging
53% said they struggle with advocating for their loved one with health professionals or social workers
53% also said making phone calls relating to their loved one is harder
Over a third cited attending support groups as difficult
Just under a third said they struggle with keeping track of their loved ones medication
Suzanne Bourne, Head of Carer Support at Mobilise added: ‘Caring for loved ones can be challenging and neurodivergent carers in particular can find certain caring responsibilities more difficult.
‘For example, already complex financial support and healthcare systems can be even harder to navigate for busy carers with additional needs of their own, which may mean that they process things differently. So while it’s important to celebrate the many strengths of neurodivergent people this Neurodiversity Celebration Week – and indeed every week – it’s equally important that we recognise how neurodivergent carers may need extra support.’
Photo by Hiki App via UnSplash
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