(UK) Scotland: 42,000 children on waitlist for ASD/ADHD assessment
- The end of childhood
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
Oct 2, 2025, tes Magazine: Scottish schools face ADHD and autism diagnosis ‘postcode lottery’
There is a lack of consistency in diagnosing and supporting ADHD and autism across Scotland, MSPs have heard, amid warnings of a ‘system-wide crisis’
Schools are having to contend with a “postcode lottery” on neurodivergence diagnosis, MSPs have heard.
The Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, which met this week as part of its inquiry into ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) pathways and support, was told that the current diagnosis framework is struggling to keep up with increasing demand.
The committee also heard that the lack of consistency across Scotland in diagnosing, treatment and support for ADHD and ASD has meant that some areas have different thresholds for provision.
Scottish Parliament research released in June showed that 42,000 children were on the waiting list for a neurodevelopmental conditions assessment
ADHD and autism support
Patients are instead forced into a “Wild West” of private diagnosis, according to Mark McDonald, policy officer for Scottish Autism, which he says is costing people thousands of pounds.
However, when it comes to autistic young people, it is unclear whether schools will accept this private diagnosis in the same way as an NHS conclusion.
Speaking to Tes, Mr McDonald said that, as a result, the situation in classrooms is complex, despite the Scottish government saying that a diagnosis is not required to provide adequate provision.
“Nobody is winning in a scenario where an autistic young person is disengaged from education or they’re being sent home daily,” he said.
“If you don’t have a diagnosis, it can be difficult to advocate appropriately. You sometimes rely on a level of knowledge that doesn’t exist both from the professionals involved as well as the families.”
While there are pockets of good practice in schools to support children with ADHD and autistic pupils, according to Mr McDonald, what is missing is a universal approach.
He added: “There’s a huge cohort of teachers who came through their training before [greater awareness about autism] was put in place. . . .
He suggested that school leadership qualifications should include a placement within a special school to increase knowledge and understanding that can then filter down and help teachers.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland stated today that Scotland is facing a “system-wide crisis” in support for ADHD and autism.
Mental wellbeing minister Tom Arthur said that long waits for support were “unacceptable”.
He added that the Scottish government was committing an additional £500,000 [$672,000] this year to improve access to support for children, young people and families.
Call for national framework
Dani Cosgrove, chief operating officer for Stronger Together for Autism and Neurodivergence, called for a national framework that is consistent across Scotland, especially considering that parents rely on peer support.
“It’s difficult for us to give correct advice [to parents] when we could give a family in East Lothian advice and it’s different for a family in the Highlands,” she said.
“Children shouldn’t be penalised for living in a different postcode or even just having a different professional involved in their care.”
Ms Cosgrove suggested that routinely publishing the waiting times for assessment and support, from first concern through to assessment and diagnosis, could immediately improve practice.
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