Different minds, shared challenges: making debt support more inclusive

In this latest research, StepChange set out to explore the financial challenges faced by people with ADHD and autism. Supported by Equifax and Qa Research, this report covers the barriers to accessing support, how neurodiversity can impact debt management and prevent engagement with advice services.

"Different minds, shared challenges" examines the lived experience of neurodivergent people struggling with debt and provides actionable insights to help design debt advice journeys that are inclusive and accessible.

The research consisted of a quantitative online survey with 278 neurodiverse people with problem debt, and 30 interviews with people experiencing debt who had either ADHD, autism or both, to gain a deeper understanding of their personal experiences and challenges.

Key findings:

1. 97% feel that being neurodivergent makes it at least sometimes harder to manage their debt
   
   Participants reported facing challenges around impulse spending, tracking outgoings, and responding to communications from creditors – issues often linked to executive functioning differences.
2. Less than a third disclosed their neurodivergence
   
   Only 32% shared that they are neurodivergent with the service they contacted, and 81% of those who did said they weren’t offered helpful support, suggesting the need for improvements to support pathways.
3. Debt advice services are not always accessible
   
   There were several common barriers to support; 34% said they couldn’t communicate in their preferred way, highlighting the need for channel choice. Negative tone and information overload were also cited.
4. Opportunities for change
   
   While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to effective support, participants called for clear guidance, flexible communication options, and trained staff with an understanding of neurodivergence.