More than 160,000 group scheme members and dependents have accessed Aviva’s neurodevelopmental pathway since it was first made available to customers and new business in March 2023, according to the insurer.
Aviva said in its first 12 months, covering 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, more than 2,400 group members and dependents have been supported through the pathway, with an average of 206 claims per month.
The additional benefit was announced along side three others in November 2022.
Around three quarters (73%) of claims were made by adults and just over a quarter (27%) of claims were for children aged between seven 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.
The pathway is operated by Onebright and helps speed up the initial assessment and possible diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Tourette’s syndrome, the insurer said.
It provides support following diagnosis through cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and consultations with clinical specialists.
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.”