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Scottish neurodiversity assessment backlog reaches 42,000
Children's queue could take four years to clear, experts warn
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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Thursday 4th December 2025 |
New data has revealed a crisis in Scotland's neurodevelopmental services, with over 42,000 children currently waiting for assessments for conditions such as autism and ADHD.
Experts warn that at the current rate of processing, it will take at least four years to clear this backlog.
The Scottish Children's Services Coalition has described the situation as unmanageable, noting that the recent funding pledge of 500,000 pounds from the Scottish Government is wholly inadequate, enough to cover only about 625 assessments.
Families are reporting extreme stress and financial burden as they wait years for a diagnosis that would unlock support services.
The article highlights that early intervention is crucial for neurodivergent children, yet thousands are being left in limbo during critical developmental years.
Campaigners are calling for a significant increase in investment and a complete overhaul of how services are delivered to prevent a 'lost generation' of children struggling without support.
Source: Daily Record (UK)
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/
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