The leading charity focusing on protecting people across Great Britain from gambling harm, GambleAware, released the results of new research focusing on how some neurodivergent people experience problem gambling and harm.
In addition to the GambleAware-funded research, the charity unveiled new tools designed to help practitioners and therapists who treat people experiencing gambling harm and neurodivergence.
Some neurodivergent gamblers are discouraged from accessing support or are unaware of such services
The newly released research uncovered that people with neurodivergence, such as those with autism and ADHD, have "increased likelihood of experiencing gambling harms," as described in a statement released by GambleAware.
The charity's research uncovered that neurodivergent people may resort to gambling as a coping mechanism for managing social isolation.
In some cases, neurodivergent people's hyperfocus, impulsiveness or preference for order, rules and a set routine, may also push them to gamble.
Concerningly, the research found that neurodivergent people often have difficulty accessing gambling support treatment and are sometimes not even aware that such specialist treatment can be accessed.
"Stigma and fear of judgement also discourage them from seeking help for gambling harm," GambleAware said.
Anna Hargrave, GambleAware's CEO, spoke about the recent report, acknowledging that it focuses on the complex link between gambling and neurodivergence.
"Characteristics of neurodivergence like impulsivity, hyperfocus, social difficulties, and a need for stimulation drive gambling behavior 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 executive added.
Focusing on the new tools GambleAware provided, Hargrave said: "The resources we have produced are designed to support therapists and practitioners working with clients who experience both gambling harms and neurodivergence."
Finally, she pointed out: "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."
GambleAware tools to help neurodivergent gamblers
As noted, GambleAware released a range of tools that seek to benefit treatment and support for neurodivergent people who experience gambling harm.
Overall, there are six key principles for the treatment and support of such cases that are expected to address the specific needs of neurodivergent people.
Notably, support needs to be provided in a suitable environment that reduces the potential for overstimulation.
Equally as important, communication with neurodivergent people needs to be simple and clear, while practitioners and therapists need to adapt and understand the complex communication needs of such individuals.
Per GambleAware's resources, the support for neurodivergent people needs to promote autonomy and independence, while the promotion of self-help tools and self-directed approaches is also important.
