Disabilities and health conditions Rates of disability and health conditions rose sharply impairments. Improved awareness and diagnosis may among the applicant population between 2017 and 2021. be driving the higher incidence of ADHD, but the rise in They have remained largely stable over the last three physical and sensory impairments within the applicant years, but there are rises in the proportion of applicants population may be linked to improved support for with ADHD, physical or mobility impairments and sensory disabled students in schools, colleges and universities. Figure 12: Incidence of self-reported disability among the applicant popula琀椀on 2017-2024 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Mental health ADD/ADHD* Au琀椀sm spectrum Specific learning A long standing Physical impairment Sensory Prefer not to say condi琀椀on condi琀椀on difficul琀椀es illness or health or mobility issues impairment condi琀椀on 2017 2019 2021 2022 2023 2024 Base = UK domiciled applicants 2024 data = 1724; 2019 = 2002 *Prior to 2022, ADD/ADHD was included in the Speci昀椀c learning di昀케culties category Unite Students | Applicant Index Report 25