GambleAware calls for neurodiversity-aware gambling industry workforce

GambleAware has released a collection of new materials designed to improve support for neurodivergent people experiencing gambling harm after new research from the charity highlighted a “complex and nuanced” relationship between gambling and neurodiversity.

Carried out in partnership with IFF Research, the report considered neurodivergent peoples’ needs in terms of gambling harm. It focused on the support currently available to them and how this can be improved to improve the quality of help.

This included how neurodivergent people often face barriers to access support and being unaware of specialist treatment available to them. It also flagged how stigma and fear of judgment discourage people from seeking help for gambling-related harm.

GambleAware urges improved neurodiversity focus

Among the key recommendations from the new report was to build a neurodiversity-aware gambling industry workforce. GambleAware said operators should consider the needs of neurodivergent individuals when developing harm minimisation and protection measures.

The charity also called for the embedding awareness of neurodivergent characteristics in support access, risk assessment, support and treatment approaches. This should include making screening for neurodivergent characteristics, and adapted support plans, a required part of assessments.

Other key recommendations were to adopt a peer-led and co-produced support as standard. The charity said this should include developing structured peer support programmes led by trained neurodivergent mentors or facilitators.

On top of this, GambleAware called for strengthened data collection and monitoring for support and treatment improvements. In addition, it called for more funding to improve understanding on what works and build a movement to put this knowledge into practice.

Alongside these conclusions, the report set out six key principles on which gambling support and treatment approaches should be based to provide the best help for service users with neurodivergence.

These included understanding and adapting to the diversity of communication needs that neurodivergent people have; ensuring clarity and simplicity in communications, as well as providing support to promote the autonomy and independence of neurodivergent users.

Other principles were to provide support in environments that consider the sensory needs of people with neurodivergence. GambleAware also urged promoting the use of self-directed approaches such as self-help tools and to ensure staff are trained in neurodiversity awareness and different communication methods.

Increased likelihood of gambling harms

The report follows earlier GambleAware research that highlighted an increased likelihood of neurodivergent people experiencing gambling harms. Published in March, the report said people with conditions such as ADHD or autism may use gambling as a “coping mechanism”, despite not gambling more than those who are neurotypical.

“Characteristics like difficulty navigating social interactions, impulsivity, hyperfocus, preference for order and a need for stimulation can drive gambling in neurodivergent people,” the latest report said: “Gambling may also help neurodivergent people experiencing social isolation to cope with its effects.

“However, many of the reasons why neurodivergent people gamble in the first place can also serve as drivers of gambling harm for those who experience it. This can result in negative consequences including financial strain, relationship breakdowns, negative impacts on health and wellbeing and setbacks in employment or education.”

New resources to support neurodivergent people

GambleAware has made available new resources to further support neurodivergent users.

These, it said, were designed to enable therapists and practitioners to improve the support they provide for clients with gambling harms and neurodivergence. GambleAware said this would help ensure those clients can get the tailored support they need.

Resources include training materials, toolkits and case studies designed to build confidence, reduce barriers and promote inclusive, effective support. They were developed from a mix of research evidence, insights from lived experience and expert guidance.

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