GambleAware maps intersection of neurodivergence and gambling harms

GambleAware has published the research findings of its report on “Gambling Harms and Neurodivergence: Mapping the Evidence Landscape.”

In 2024, GambleAware commissioned IFF Research and the University of Bristol to examine the intersection of gambling harms with neurodivergent disorders – an area of concern deemed as under-researched.

The study sought to understand whether individuals suffering from neurodivergent disorders such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia are at greater risk of gambling harms?

Research was required for GambleAware to provide better specialised treatment and a dedicated engagement with neurodivergent individuals by removing barriers to treatment and support.

Advised by Dr Amy Sweet and Dr Tim Morris of the University of Bristol, the research was applied over three phases of examining available evidence of neurodivergent disorders and gambling harms, followed by primary research with neurodivergent people experiencing gambling harms.

The study is concluded by an Advisory Panel of six expert advisors with lived and professional experience of both neurodivergence and gambling, who provided guidance on project design and the interpretation of the findings throughout.

Inconclusive evidence on neurodivergence behaviours

Findings on behavioural risks showed no consistent evidence that supports the idea that neurodivergent individuals will gamble more frequently than neurotypical persons. 

However, indexing the findings of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), the study noted that young sufferers of ADHD or autism were more likely to “gamble frequently” at the age range of 17 to 20. However, the trend decreases against neurotypical comparatives by the age range of 24 to 30.

Matching ALSPAC insights, the report noted that those with ADHD are twice as likely to experience a form of gambling harm. The ALSPAC analysis provided strong evidence that people with ADHD were more likely to experience high levels of gambling harm than their peers without ADHD, with their probability of experiencing negative consequences from gambling twice as high as peers without ADHD.

The risk of gambling harms was also seen with Autism (ASD), where analysis showed that people with ASD were twice as likely as people without ASD to experience gambling harm.

Evidence on gambling harms remains inconclusive for those suffering from dyslexia or dyspraxia, as Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) scores reported by ALSPAC survey participants with dyslexia or dyspraxia were slightly lower than for those without dyslexia or dyspraxia, suggesting lower levels of harm than for participants without each condition.

Gender and socioeconomic background had little effect on gambling frequency and harm among neurodivergent individuals, yet some differences were noted. Ethnic minority neurodivergent people tended to gamble more frequently and reported higher levels of harm, but the sample size was small, so more research is needed.

Gaps in support and effective treatments 

Problem gambling treatment and support in Britain is designed with neurotypical individuals in mind, despite evidence that people with ADHD and autism are more likely to seek gambling treatment. Research indicates that people with ADHD are “overrepresented among those seeking gambling treatment”. 

Support is compromised due to limited research on how effective current gambling treatments are for people with ADHD or other neurodivergent conditions.. Current approaches to gambling treatment may not be well-suited to neurodivergent individuals, which could limit their effectiveness.

The study notes that  the UK has a gap in treatment support, as the report found no specific research or evidence on the effectiveness of gambling treatment for individuals with autism, dyslexia, or dyspraxia.

Need for tailored support of neurodivergence disorders

The report highlights two promising treatment approaches that could be adapted for neurodivergent people. The first is autonomy-supportive approaches, which encourage self-regulation, independence, and motivation. 

This approach helps neurodivergent individuals feel more in control of their decisions and gambling behaviour and could be particularly effective for people with ADHD, as it aligns with their need for structure and motivation.

The second approach is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is effective for managing impulsive behaviours and emotional triggers linked to gambling. Studies show mixed outcomes for autistic individuals, suggesting the need for adaptations tailored to their sensory and cognitive processing differences.

The research concludes that gambling support services should be adapted to better meet the needs of neurodivergent individuals. This includes screening for neurodivergence in gambling treatment programmes, offering flexible support and communication styles, and incorporating input from people with lived experience to shape treatment approaches.