(Scotland) Raising demand for ASD/ADHD assessment due to "historic underdiagnosis"
- The end of childhood
- 7 hours ago
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Feb 4, 2026, Learning Disability Today: Health Committee in Scotland calls for review of ADHD and autism assessments
The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee in Scotland is calling for a comprehensive review of the assessment process for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism.
It found that people in Scotland are waiting years for neurodevelopmental assessments, and some health board areas have closed waiting lists, with long waits harming individuals and preventing people from making a full contribution to society.
The report said that the rising demand for assessments is not due to neurodevelopmental conditions being overdiagnosed, but rather to historical underdiagnosis and improved understanding of these conditions.
It added that a National Standard for assessments was needed to guarantee consistent, high-quality access throughout Scotland, and recognised that diagnosis can validate lived experience and help people access adjustments, support, and medication if needed.
Need clear, consistent pathways to ADHD and autism support
Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said the urgent delivery of a national plan would allow autistic people and/or people with ADHD to access clear, consistent pathways to support regardless of where they live in Scotland.
She added: “Our inquiry has shone a light on the myriad issues those with neurodevelopmental conditions face in accessing and receiving support from Scotland’s NHS.
“We acknowledge the huge rise in demand for assessment and diagnosis and the huge pressure this places on services. But we are concerned that inconsistent care pathways and a lack of support can leave some feeling isolated and unable to access the support they need.
“We are concerned to have heard evidence of long waits for assessments or closed waiting lists, meaning some individuals are unable to access support due to where they live or because they haven’t been diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental condition. It’s clear things need to improve. Our Committee wants to see a whole systems and whole society approach to ensure autistic people and/or people with ADHD can access equitable and timely pathways to assessment, treatment and support across Scotland.”
Better monitoring of referrals
The report also called for steps to enable routine quarterly reporting of data on referrals and waiting times for autism and ADHD, underpinned by national guidance, and for longer-term work to culminate in a comprehensive dashboard.
It highlighted evidence that long waiting times can push people into crisis, increasing the complexity of the support required and placing additional pressure on services.
Other recommendations include a whole-systems approach across health, social care, education, and other sectors to improve awareness, reduce stigma, and strengthen support for people with neurodevelopmental conditions. This includes workforce planning, funding distribution that supports integration, inclusive education, support for families with multiple neurodivergent members, and stronger collaboration across public services.
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