BBC Health producer Claire McAllister reported that experts have revealed thousands of children are awaiting autism and ADHD assessments on “hidden” waiting lists. Despite the Scottish government recently meeting its waiting time target for young people’s mental health services, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) stated that the number of children waiting to be assessed for neurodevelopmental conditions is not regularly disclosed. The RCPsych called for more transparency from the Scottish government and emphasized the need for increased funding to improve access to services for these children.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) aims to assist children experiencing significant mental health problems that impact their daily lives, such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders. While recent figures indicated that 90% of young people started treatment within 18 weeks of referral to CAMHS, Dr. Laura Sutherland from RCPsych’s child & adolescent faculty highlighted that those most at risk are prioritized, potentially leading to longer waits for those with neurodevelopmental conditions. She stressed the long-term implications of delayed assessments on young people’s education and mental health.
A Freedom of Information request by BBC Scotland News revealed varying numbers of children awaiting neurodevelopmental assessments across different health boards in Scotland. Despite this, not all health boards collect data uniformly or publish it consistently. Dr. Sutherland, a consultant psychiatrist for CAMHS in Tayside, called for enhanced transparency regarding these hidden waiting lists and urged for dedicated funding to support vulnerable young people on neurodevelopmental pathways. The demand for assessments has risen drastically in recent years, prompting NHS Tayside to halt new referrals for ADHD and autism to CAMHS due to overwhelming demand.
The Salvesen Mindroom Centre in Scotland, which supports neurodivergent young people, reported a significant increase in demand for its services. Chief Executive Officer Alan Thornburrow expressed concerns over the organization’s inability to meet the escalating demand levels, emphasizing a surge in anxiety prevalence among the young people they assist. Rosie, a 16-year-old who waited five years to be diagnosed with autism, highlighted the emotional impact of receiving her diagnosis and the subsequent improvements in self-understanding. She credited her NHS diagnosis for providing access to crucial support services and acknowledged the role of one-to-one sessions in helping her overcome mental health struggles and return to education
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