(UK) Scotland: 500% increase in children waiting for ASD/ADHD assessment over 5 yrs
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The number of Forth Valley children waiting for an ADHD or autism assessment increased by more than 500% between 2020 and 2025.
A Stirling councillor has called on the Scottish Government to make children’s ADHD and autism assessment waiting times transparent.
David Wilson, Labour councillor for the Dunblane and Bridge of Allan ward, called the situation “embarrassing” and said young people in Forth Valley and beyond are being let down.
He said experts warn that people left undiagnosed are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and substance misuse issues later in life.
Last year, figures showed the number of children on NHS Forth Valley waiting lists for neurodevelopmental assessments had soared by more than 500% since 2020. . . .
According to Mr Wilson, a former chair of the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Integration Joint Board, ADHD and autism waiting times were no longer collated after Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) stopped delivering the assessments.
He said: “Autism and ADHD assessments are now delivered through a separate neurodevelopmental pathway and, unlike CAMHS and psychological therapies, are not currently subject to national waiting time targets.” . . .
It was agreed that council leader, the SNP’s Susan McGill, would write to the Scottish Government requesting the introduction of transparent national waiting time measures for children and young people. . . .
“We all need to do better.
“We cannot honestly brush long and embarrassing waiting times for assessments under the carpet by abandoning so many people when we know the likely long-term consequences of doing so.” . . .
“Demand for neurodevelopmental diagnostic assessments and support has increased significantly in recent years.
“While a diagnosis can be important, particularly where access to ADHD medication is concerned, children and young people should be able to access appropriate support based on need and should not have to wait for a formal diagnosis before help is put in place.”
Last year, a Stirling mum whose son was left waiting for an autism assessment for more than half his life shared her experiences with The Courier, hoping to encourage other families like hers to speak out.
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