Inspiring autistic advocate Hayden Kenyon runs Lundy Island Trail Race

Hayden Kenyon, a 27-year-old autistic inspiring man from Chittlehampton, North Devon, has accomplished an extraordinary feat by completing the 14 miles Lundy Island Trail Running Race in support of the National Autistic Society.

Hayden's participation in the race is not just a personal triumph but a powerful statement about the importance of ensuring equal access to mental health services for neurodiverse people.

Living with autism, Hayden understands first-hand the challenges that neurodiverse individuals face, including higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Studies estimate that up to 40% of individuals with autism have at least one anxiety disorder, Hayden has OCD.

Hayden’s mission is clear: to highlight the urgent need for mental health services that cater to neurodiverse populations.

"By ensuring neurodiverse individuals receive the care they need, we can improve their quality of life, enhance societal productivity, and promote social justice," Hayden says.

"As awareness and diagnosis of neurodiversity continue to increase, it becomes even more important to adapt our mental health services to meet these needs effectively for future generations."

Despite the growing recognition of neurodiversity, there remains a significant 'treatment gap' between those who need mental health care and those who receive it. For neurodiverse individuals, this gap is alarmingly wide due to several barriers:

1. Limited Availability of Specialist Services
2. Inadequate Screening and Diagnosis
3. Lack of Tailored Interventions
4. Financial Constraints—not all treatments are covered by the NHS

According to the Nuffield Trust, mental health services are accessed by only around a quarter of people in the community who need them, with neurodiverse individuals being particularly overrepresented within this 'treatment gap'.

Hayden’s message to the new government is a call to action: prioritise mental health funding for neurodiverse individuals to bridge this gap and prevent unnecessary suffering.

"I don’t want to see more people suffering when they don't need to," Hayden concluded.

In addition to his athletic endeavours, Hayden is an active member of his community, tirelessly raising funds and awareness about autism and mental health.

He educates others on these critical issues, advocating for a society where everyone, regardless of neurodiversity, has the opportunity to achieve optimal mental health.