Case study

Empowering Neurodiverse Communities in Dorset: Transforming Lives with Digital Health Apps

Sector:

NHS / Integrated Care

Challenge:

Improving access to tailored, accessible support for neurodiverse individuals

Solution:

Digital health library
ORCHA-assured digital health apps

The challenge

It's estimated 10–14% of people may be neurodivergent

[Source]

Neurodiverse individuals often face unique barriers when accessing health and wellbeing support, including communication challenges, sensory sensitivities, and difficulties navigating traditional healthcare services. Recognising the need for more inclusive and accessible solutions, Dorset Integrated Care Board (ICB) explored how digital health apps could provide targeted, practical support.

While estimating the size of the neurodivergent population is complex, national data suggests that around 10–14% of people may be neurodivergent. Applied to Dorset’s population of approximately 800,000, this indicates that 80,000+ residents could benefit from tailored support.

The challenge was clear: how to provide safe, usable, and empowering tools that support independence, wellbeing, and inclusion for neurodiverse individuals across Dorset.

The solution

Tailored access to apps that support neurodiversity at scale

Working with ORCHA, Dorset ICB introduced a curated approach to digital health - providing access to evidence-based, user-friendly apps designed to support neurodiverse needs.

The initiative focused on apps that help individuals manage:

Anxiety and emotional regulation
Sleep and routines
Focus, productivity, and daily organisation
Social interaction and independence

All apps were selected with a strong emphasis on usability, accessibility, and long-term engagement, ensuring tools were practical for everyday use and appropriate for a broad neurodiverse population.

Objectives

The programme was designed to:

Provide accessible tools tailored to neurodiverse needs
Improve outcomes across mental health, wellbeing, and daily functioning
Raise awareness among families, carers, and professionals of trusted digital support options
Ensure quality, with ongoing evaluation of app relevance and effectiveness

The impact

Over the past year, Dorset has seen encouraging adoption and impact:

500+ neurodiversity-related app downloads, demonstrating growing trust in digital tools

Popular apps such as Inflow ADHD, Brain in Hand, and Focus@Will supported users across key areas

Reported benefits include:

Boosting independence, with users gaining confidence in managing daily life
Improved emotional wellbeing, particularly in managing anxiety
Better focus and productivity, supporting education and employment
Stronger routines, reducing overwhelm and supporting consistency
Greater inclusion, enabling fuller participation in community, education, and work

These outcomes highlight how carefully curated digital tools can meaningfully support neurodiverse individuals beyond traditional service models.