Holyrood’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee is seeking views and experiences as part of a new inquiry into ADHD and autism treatment pathways.

The inquiry launched today is looking to better understand why waiting times for diagnosis and management of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are long and the challenges facing patients and staff.

As of March 2025, there were 42,530 children waiting for neurodevelopmental assessments across 13 of Scotland’s 14 regional health boards.

MSPs also want to help build solutions to improve capacity of services, referral pathways and support.

The committee is looking to hear from individuals and their families on the experience of accessing treatment and support for ADHD and ASD.

It says it wants to understand the drivers of increasing demand, how these conditions are diagnosed and managed and examine the impact of high demand and delays.

Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said with delays as high as three years, it is vital to scrutinise the current pathways:

“Our committee is launching this inquiry because we are concerned by reports of long waits for neurodevelopmental assessments in Scotland. Data from Scotland’s health boards shows that eight NHS boards currently report waiting times exceeding three years for these conditions.

“We want to learn what is causing these delays, explore potential solutions, and find out ways to improve treatment pathways and support for individuals with ADHD or ASD.

“We’re keen to hear personal experience of any issues faced in terms of diagnosis, waiting times and access to care and support.

“We also welcome any positive experiences and examples of good practice which could potentially be rolled out across all of Scotland’s NHS health boards.

“The insights we gather will be a vital element of our scrutiny and will help to inform the questions we pose to support organisations, healthcare providers and the Scottish Government in future evidence sessions.”

This comes after MSPs across Holyrood rallied behind calls for the Scottish government to ‘urgently’ review of ADHD and autism services and work with the NHS and local authorities to strengthen services.

Meanwhile, the Royal College of Psychiatrists Scotland has urged the government to address deliver a national, funded plan for those with neurodevelopment conditions to access help without the long waits.

As part of the inquiry, the Committee will also be writing to relevant organisations directly to seek their views.

The Committee’s online public consultation survey on ADHD and autism spectrum disorder pathways and support can be accessed here.

The call for views closes on 18 August 2025.

Read more: Watchdog criticises homelessness service cuts; NHS saves £82m a year through outdoor spaces; Psychiatrists in ‘disbelief’ over cut funding; Scotland needs more Carer Positive employers; Chief Medical Officer: ‘Critical connections' priority; Charting Scotland's future health and hospital demand; Call for ‘urgent' review of ADHD and autism services

Sign up to our bulletin for key health & social care updates straight to your inbox.