Reports
Author(s): IFF Research
Publisher: IFF Research
Year Published: 2025
Date Added: May 08, 2025
Resource Type: Research report
This report explores how people who are neurodivergent experience gambling harm, and how to best deliver gambling harm treatment and support for this population. People who are neurodiverse process information in a different way than cognitive styles that are more closely aligned with societal norms. Examples of people who are neurodiverse include those who experience autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Following a previous rapid evidence assessment, the researchers conducted interviews with 45 neurodivergent people in Great Britain who experienced gambling and gambling harms. An online community was also used to collect data. Findings include:Triggers for escalations in gambling included social isolation, bullying, and stress.Factors linked with less escalation of gambling included strong social support, awareness of risks, and lower-risk behaviours.Some neurodivergent people experience gambling harms, often linked to impulsivity, hyperfocus, and difficulty assessing risk.People who experience autistism or ADHD were especially vulnerable to gambling harms because of their experiences with impulsive decision making and difficulties in managing finances.People at greater risk of experiencing gambling harms often avoided seeking help due to stigma, lack of awareness, or believing their gambling was not severe enough.There is a need for personalised support and treatment approaches that take into account impulsivity and attention, as well as early intervention tools to help prevent harm.
This report explores how people who are neurodivergent experience gambling harm, and how to best deliver gambling harm treatment and support for this population. People who are neurodiverse process information in a different way than cognitive styles that are more closely aligned with societal norms. Examples of people who are neurodiverse include those who experience autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Following a previous rapid evidence assessment, the researchers conducted interviews with 45 neurodivergent people in Great Britain who experienced gambling and gambling harms. An online community was also used to collect data.
Findings include:
