The Pathway, which provides support to users for diagnoses and guidance to help manager their condition, is available as an optional benefit for companies covering over 250 members on an Aviva Optimum private healthcare scheme.
The expert-led service launched lat year with the aim of speeding up the initial assessment and possible diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Tourette’s syndrome. Working with clinical experts, Onebright, the benefit provides support following diagnosis through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). If a diagnosis of ADHD is made through the neurodevelopmental pathway, it also provides consultations with a clinical specialist for up to two years to support stabilisation and monitoring of ADHD medication.
In its first 12 months over 2,400 group members and dependents have been supported through the pathway, with an average of 206 claims per month. Around three quarters (73%) of claims were made by adults and just over a quarter (27%) of claims were for children aged between 7 and 15 years.
Nearly three quarters of adults (74%) and just under half (47%) of children and young people using Aviva’s neurodevelopmental pathway accessed an assessment for ADHD.
Over a quarter (26%) of adults and more than half (51%) of children were assessed for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Fewer than 1% of adults and slightly more (1.5%) children attended an assessment for Tourette’s Syndrome.
Dr Doug Wright, Medical Director at Aviva said:
“Around 15-20% of all the people living in the world are thought to have a neuro-difference, meaning that they think or communicate differently to others around them. Many of these will be undiagnosed, which can cause challenges particularly in relation to mental health.
“This is where support such as Aviva’s Neurodevelopmental Pathway can make a big difference, by enabling group members and their dependents to access expert clinical and workplace support.
“Getting a diagnosis can really help an individual make sense of their feelings and behaviours. It also helps them understand what support they need. They can then work together with their employer and neurodiversity experts to agree and implement workplace adaptations tailored to their unique needs.”
Sarah Carter, Head of Account Management at Onebright, said:
“For individuals who think they may have a neurodevelopmental condition, having an assessment and receiving a diagnosis can be life changing. It is so important that by receiving the right tools and support, individuals feel they can move forward with positivity, peace, and productivity.
“The feedback we have received from Aviva customers about the success of the pathway in the first year has been incredible, and we look forward to our continued work together to help more employees access the support they need.”
