The real costs of ADHD and autism

4 mins read

Wednesday 4 November 2026

Last month we set the record straight on Disability Living Allowance (DLA) following uninformed speculation that disabled children get too much financial support.

As explained in that article, disability benefits are paid to meet the extra costs disabled people face.

Also in the political crossfire recently is ADHD and autism. First, wrongly labelled “over-diagnosed” despite no evidence that this is currently the case. More recently, we’ve seen accusations that people with these conditions don’t really face extra costs anyway. As a result, they don’t need DLA, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or their Scottish equivalents.

So we asked families to share their experiences of the hidden costs behind an ADHD or autism diagnosis. Thanks to everyone in our online communities who took part.

Their responses show how everyday expenses add up and how gaps in education, childcare and health services can place further financial pressure on families. 

Everyday essentials cost more 

Food was a recurring theme.

Families described needing to buy particular brands, flavours or textures of food because of their child’s sensory needs or restricted eating, including avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). This can mean being unable to switch to cheaper alternatives or shop at just one supermarket.

Parents also described buying food their child previously ate, but can no longer manage. Then there’s the additional energy needed to prepare separate meals. 

Clothing brings similar challenges. Families told us about searching for tolerable socks, shoes and school uniforms, buying adapted clothing and replacing items damaged through chewing. Some described clothing becoming uncomfortable for their child after only a few washes because its texture had changed. 

Parents also reported additional spending on nappies, continence products, wipes and bedding. 

Higher household bills 

Families described washing machines and tumble dryers running more frequently because of continence needs or children needing several changes of clothes each day. 

Others told us about additional heating and hot water costs, including where baths or showers help their child regulate. 

These are ongoing expenses. Buying suitable clothing or bedding is only part of the cost when it also needs frequent washing, drying and replacement. 

Paying more to access everyday opportunities 

Families told us that activities available to other children were not always accessible to their own. 

One parent described paying £35 for a one-to-one swimming lesson because their child could not manage the £10 group lessons.

Others reported paying for activities they ultimately could not attend or having to leave shortly after arriving because their child became overwhelmed. 

Transport also adds to the cost. Parents described needing taxis or a car because their child could not safely or comfortably use public transport. They also faced longer journeys to suitable schools, appointments and activities. 

Funding support that is unavailable elsewhere 

Parents reported paying privately for assessments, therapy and medication when they could not access suitable or timely support through public services. 

One family reported spending £4,200 a year on a weekly speech therapy session. Other responses described paying for occupational therapy, counselling and educational support. 

Families also listed communication aids, sensory equipment, specialist pushchairs, car seats and safety adaptations at home. 

When support is unavailable, many families must pay for it themselves. Others face going without support their child needs. 

More money going out, less coming in 

Alongside these expenses, parents repeatedly described the financial impact of reducing their working hours or leaving employment. 

Families linked this to a lack of suitable childcare, children being unable to attend school, frequent appointments and needing to be available when their child requires support. 

The financial pressure therefore comes from both directions. Families face additional costs to meet a child’s needs, but fewer opportunities to earn enough to cover them. 

Families need their experiences heard 

These accounts show what extra costs can look like for families raising children with ADHD and autism. Needs and circumstances vary, but the expenses parents described are real and often recurring. 

They also show why accessible education, childcare, health services and financial support matter. When those systems do not meet children’s needs, families can be left to cover the gap. 

Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences with us in our private Facebook group. Your contributions help us to explain the financial pressures families face and make the case for better support. 

Help with extra costs 

If you are worried about your family’s finances, visit our pages below.

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