Sydney: A new study by UNSW Sydney highlights the hidden mental health burden faced by children with two or more neurodevelopmental conditions, such as ADHD, autism, speech disorders, cerebral palsy, and Tourette syndrome.

Analysing data from over 267,000 US children aged three to 17, researchers found that the likelihood of depression and anxiety rises sharply as the number of neurodevelopmental conditions increases. Children with two conditions were nearly five times more likely to experience depression and almost six times more likely to have anxiety, while those with five or more conditions faced more than five times the risk of depression and nearly 13 times the risk of anxiety. The severity of these mental health problems also increased with the number of conditions.

“Our findings stress the importance of early, integrated care where neurodevelopmental, educational, and mental health services work together rather than separately,” said the study authors.

The study suggests routine screening for anxiety and depression in children with multiple developmental conditions, training for teachers to recognise emotional distress, and better coordination of health and education services. Policymakers are urged to fund integrated programs, including school-based counselling, multidisciplinary care clinics, and family support networks.

The researchers emphasised that without early intervention, affected children may face long-term difficulties in school, social isolation, and persistent mental health challenges into adulthood.

The findings, though based on US data, carry global relevance, including for Australia, as countries address rising numbers of children with multiple neurodevelopmental conditions.