(UK) Scotland: 42,000 kids waiting for "neurodiversity assessments"; 4,500 more in one year
- The end of childhood
- 7 hours ago
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Nov 23, 2025, Daily Record: Backlog of 42,000 Scots kids awaiting neurodiversity assessments 'will take four years to clear'
Experts have warned it will take four years to clear a 42,000 NHS backlog of children awaiting neurodiversity assessments. And a recent Scottish Government funding pledge is only likely to help a tiny fraction.
John Swinney's SNP government claims it is “committed to improving timely access to support” and promised an additional £500,000 [$650K] this year.
But we can reveal, with assessments for conditions like ADHD and autism costing around £800 per child, the injection will help just 625 children to be seen sooner.
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition, an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education, said: “We hear every day from families who’ve been waiting months or even years for an assessment because NHS waiting lists have become unmanageable. . . .
“And a significant increase in investment in neurodevelopmental services is required so that no child is left waiting years for the help they need to thrive. . . .
Desperate families have told us of the “emotional devastation” waiting years to access diagnosis and treatment, while the neurodivergent are more likely to encounter worsening physical and mental issues without support. . . .
Figures on NHS waiting lists for preliminary investigations for autism and ADHD represents a rise of 4,489 in the past year. Dorry McLaughlin, CEO of Scottish Autism, said: “These figures set out the stark situation facing many families.”
Dr Laura Sutherland, of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland, said: “We’ve reached a critical point in CAMHS. We have a system which is failing to support the care that psychiatrists and other professionals want to deliver.
“Alarmingly, waiting times may be even higher because the Scottish Government doesn’t report on the long delays for neurodevelopmental assessments – a situation which urgently needs addressed. . . .
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