In August 2025, we responded to the Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee inquiry into pathways and support for children and young people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Below is a short summary, with our full response available to download at the bottom of the page.
Our response
Our response draws on insights from paediatricians across Scotland and highlights the urgent need for timely diagnosis, consistent care pathways, and improved access to services. We also emphasise the importance of multi-agency collaboration and investment in community paediatrics to ensure children and young people receive the support they need.
Our recommendations
We reiterate the recommendations set out in our Collaborative Healthcare in Scotland report, which calls for integrated, child-centred models of care and improved workforce planning to meet rising demand in neurodevelopmental services.
- Ensure that support for children in all settings (education, local authorities and short break providers) is truly needs-led with no barriers relating to diagnostic status.
- Provide regular, proactive communication so that children, young people, and their families do not feel abandoned while waiting for assessment. Consistent communication and support are essential throughout the process.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive public health campaign aimed at raising awareness and understanding of learning disabilities, autism, and neurodivergence. Collaborate with advocacy groups, key stakeholders within the neurodiverse community, education, CAMHS and individuals with lived experiences to ensure the campaign is impactful and authentic.
- Introduce mandatory training programs for the public sector to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to offer the best support.
- Allocate funding and resource to support the implementation of these initiatives. Monitor and evaluate their effectiveness to ensure continuous improvement and sustainability.
Downloads