New research has found that the fastest rise in disability benefit claims for ADHD and autism among 16 and 17-year-olds in England is happening in the wealthiest areas. The Nuffield Trust, an independent health research organization, found that in the least-deprived areas, the proportion of young people claiming Personal Independence Payment (Pip) for these conditions more than tripled between 2019 and 2025, increasing from 0.8% to 2.5%. In contrast, in less affluent areas, the rate rose from 2.1% to 5.1%, though it remained higher in those regions. Overall, the number of 16 and 17-year-olds with ADHD and autism claiming Pip across England increased significantly, from 16,045 in 2019 to 51,148 in 2025. This represents a jump from 1.3% to 3.4% of the age group. Spending on Pip for this group reached an estimated £296 million in 2025, with about £87 million going to young people in the 40% least-deprived areas—nearly four times the amount in 2019. In areas like Runnymede in Surrey, the proportion of young people on Pip for ADHD and autism increased from one in 58 in 2019 to one in 19 in 2025. Similar trends were seen in Bracknell Forest, Berkshire. In contrast, areas like Liverpool and Knowsley had higher recipient rates in 2025, though they still lagged behind wealthier regions. The Nuffield Trust also noted that Pip recipient rates for ADHD and autism were higher among people of white ethnicity compared to other ethnic groups. This pattern was evident in areas with more ethnic diversity, such as Newham and Brent in London, and Leicester, where the number of claims was lower than expected. The research found that areas with a higher proportion of white residents had higher Pip rates for these conditions. The report suggests that the trend could be linked to unequal access to diagnostic services. Wealthier families may be more likely to bypass NHS waiting lists by paying for private diagnoses. Additionally, more privileged individuals may have better resources to navigate the complex Pip claims process, as a clinical diagnosis can improve the chances of a successful claim. The research also found that the gap in Pip claims between affluent and deprived areas is narrowing, with growth rates in wealthy areas outpacing those in poorer regions. For example, Surrey Heath saw a 630% increase in Pip claims for ADHD and autism since 2019, while Mansfield and Great Yarmouth saw increases of 30% and 50%, respectively. The findings have raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of spending on disability benefits for working-age adults, which is projected to rise from £14 billion in 2019 to £34 billion in 2030. This has become a political issue, with some rightwing media and politicians questioning the validity of Pip claims, suggesting overdiagnosis of neurodivergent conditions. A government-commissioned review into ADHD, autism, and mental health is expected to be published soon. The interim report, led by Professor Peter Fonagy, proposed a "needs-based" system to focus support on those most severely affected by ADHD, such as individuals at risk of self-harm or unable to work.