An Edinburgh-based neurodiversity charity has revealed that thousands of parents are being forced to sacrifice their careers due to delayed diagnoses and failing public support systems.
Salvesen Mindroom Centre published the findings of a new national survey, which indicate that 88% of affected parents and carers have seen their career progression limited.
The research suggests the primary barriers to employment are not caring responsibilities alone, but rather fragmented public services and inconsistent health and education support.
More than half of those surveyed provide the equivalent of a full-time working week of unpaid care, leading many to reduce their hours or leave the workforce entirely.
The report, titled Holding It All Together, is based on responses from more than 250 parents and carers surveyed across Scotland and the UK in late 2025.
The findings indicate that 80% of respondents have suffered a negative impact on their household income, while 98% said the experience had negatively affected their mental health. 55% of respondents provide 30 hours or more of unpaid care each week.
Despite 58% reducing their working hours and 74% altering their working patterns, 69% continue to balance professional or management roles.
The project was supported by the Baillie Gifford Neurodiversity Network and will be officially launched at an online event on 4 August. Alongside the survey, the charity published its 2025 Impact Report, which highlights a 309% increase in demand for its services since 2020.
Aileen Shrimpton, Mindroom’s Director of Development, said: “Supporting parents and carers is not a niche issue. When support is delayed or inconsistent, families carry the consequences, and so do workplaces. This report provides a baseline for action.”
Gill Christie, Chair of Baillie Gifford’s employee-led Neurodiversity Network, added: “Parents and carers of neurodivergent children are still holding work, family life and overstretched systems together, often invisibly. The challenges described in this report arise not from them or their children, but from the fallout of systemic pressures outwith their control.”
Alan Thornburrow, CEO of Mindroom, said: “Parents and carers of neurodivergent children are not stepping back from work because they lack ambition or ability. They are doing so because they are carrying the consequences of delayed diagnoses, fragmented services and inadequate support systems.
“When skilled people reduce hours, turn down progression opportunities or leave employment altogether, families lose income, employers lose experienced staff, and the economy loses valuable talent. Supporting these families isn’t simply a welfare issue, it’s an economic one.”
