Whether it will commit to any additional funding and specific timescales for reducing ADHD assessment and treatment waiting times across Sc…

In recent years, there has been a significant growth in awareness of neurodevelopmental conditions, including ADHD. Demand for ADHD diagnosis, treatment and support has risen significantly, placing considerable pressure on services across Scotland.We want all individuals with neurodevelopmental needs to be able to access support based on their individual needs, rather than having to wait for a diagnosis before help is available. Our aim is that people receive the right support at the right time, regardless of whether they have, are seeking, or require a diagnosis.For children and young people, in 2026-27 we have provided additional investment of £7.6 million for improvements in neurodevelopmental support including for ADHD, to help support implementation of the National Neurodevelopmental Specification for Children and Young People. This funding has been distributed to local authorities for local areas to build on existing services and invest in flexible support that reflects local needs and circumstance.We are also providing an additional £28 million from 2025-2026 to develop the Additional Support for Learning (ASL) education workforce along with an enhanced offer in support, spanning all stages of the curriculum. Further funding of £1 million has also been made available to support national initiatives to help to recruit and train more ASL teachers,In addition, for adults with neurodevelopmental conditions, we are aiming to publishing the Adult Neurodevelopmental Pathway Route-Map next month. This sets out how we will be taking forward the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ stepped care approach to support for adults with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and ADHD. Our approach focuses on ensuring access to support based on need whether or not someone has a diagnosis, making it easier for people to access the right support at the right time through a range of community and specialised services.