We’re proud to announce that our work exploring the link between gambling and neurodiversity has culminated in a comprehensive training programme and resources that are now live on the GambleAware website. Click here to read the full report or here to download all of the resources.

Our Journey

This project involved gathering insights from 45 neurodivergent individuals in Great Britian who gamble, through 17 in-depth interviews and a five-day online community with 28 participants conducted in November and December 2024. Following a collaborative workshop with academics and people with lived experience, we were commissioned to develop a training programme that incorporated the workshop’s recommendations and research findings. Working alongside IFF Research, GambleAware and academics from the University of Bristol, Dr Amy Sweet (Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Bristol), Dr Tim Morris (Senior Research Fellow at UCL and the University of Bristol), we’ve created resources that we believe will make a real difference to how neurodivergent people experiencing gambling harm are supported.

The research spanned three phases to enable us to build on the available evidence at every stage, including secondary analysis of existing evidence; primary research with neurodivergent people experiencing gambling harms; and developing and workshopping solutions to translate insights into practice. An Advisory Panel of six expert advisors with lived and professional experience of both neurodivergence and gambling provided guidance on project design and delivery, and interpretation of the findings throughout.

Understanding the Connection

The research has shown that some neurodivergent people, particularly those with ADHD or autism, may have an increased likelihood of experiencing gambling harms. They may turn to gambling to manage social isolation, as a coping mechanism, or due to characteristics such as increased impulsivity, hyperfocus, and a preference for rules, order and routine.

Paul Nash, who has lived experience of gambling harm, shared his story: “When you’re autistic having a routine is important, and for me gambling was about having a routine, each day I would gamble so I felt that I needed to continue doing that. It was also a fixation of associating my favourite hobby, sport, with making money. I had an eleven-year addiction but thankfully I’ve now been in recovery for just two years and ten months. Recovery gave me a light at the end of the tunnel and a new purpose in life.”

Breaking Down Barriers

Our research highlighted that neurodivergent people often face significant barriers when trying to access gambling support. Many aren’t aware that specialist treatment services exist, whilst stigma and fear of judgement can discourage them from seeking help.

The Resources We’ve Created

The resources we’ve developed with GambleAware are specifically designed to enable therapists and practitioners to improve the support they provide for clients with both gambling harms and neurodivergence. Bringing together research evidence, insights from lived experience, and expert guidance, our resources include:

• Training materials
• Toolkits
• Case studies

These are all designed to build confidence, reduce barriers, and promote inclusive, effective support.

Six Key Principles

Our work has identified six fundamental principles that should underpin gambling support and treatment approaches for neurodivergent service users:

1. Understanding and adapting to the diversity of communication needs that neurodivergent people have
2. Ensuring clarity and simplicity in all communications
3. Promoting autonomy and independence in how support is provided
4. Creating sensory-friendly environments that reduce the risks of overstimulation
5. Encouraging self-directed approaches such as self-help tools and peer networks
6. Training staff in neurodiversity awareness and different communication methods

Making a Difference

As Anna Hargrave, GambleAware CEO, noted, these resources address a critical evidence gap in understanding how gambling harms affect neurodivergent people and how treatment can be tailored most effectively.

We’re incredibly proud that our work at Ara is now available to any organisation working in this area. These resources represent a significant step forward in ensuring that neurodivergent people experiencing gambling harm receive the tailored, effective support they deserve.

Access the Resources

All the resources and the full report are now available on the GambleAware website. We encourage all organisations and practitioners working with people affected by gambling harm to explore these materials and incorporate the principles into their practice.

Our Gambling Harms Services

At Ara Recovery for All, we provide specialist support for people affected by gambling harm. Our services are designed to be accessible, inclusive, and tailored to individual needs. To find out more about how we can help, visit our gambling harms services page.

Together, we can ensure that support services are truly inclusive and accessible for everyone who needs them.