Publish date: 14 August 2023

There have been recent reports citing people with co-existing conditions (including Huntingdon’s disease and Autism) finding it difficult to access mental health services.

Services shouldn't exclude people because of a particular physical health or neurological diagnosis, they should be offered based on need and the likelihood of them being helpful. Very often, adjustments to standard treatments can be made to adapt them, if needed, and services should make these adjustments to support access to services and treatments.

In specific instances, some types of mental health treatment may not be possible to deliver or may not be helpful because of particular communication, cognitive, or physical difficulties. In these situations clinicians should advise on alternatives.