Kids with autism and ADHD left on waiting lists for four years for vital treatment

Parents tell of 'emotional devastation' at lack of care as services are unable to cope with demand

- ROSS THOMSON

MORE than 28,000 children are on waiting lists for autism and ADHD assessments in Scotland with some left over four years without an appointment.

Parents have told of the “emotional devastation’ at not being able to get the help they desperately need for the neurodiverse conditions because services are unable to cope with demand.

Daniel Johnson MSP has said families are being “gaslit on an epic scale” by the Scottish Government in response to the shocking findings of our investigation and called the crisis a “national scandal”.

INVESTIGATIONS

Figures we obtained from Scottish health boards through freedom of information revealed that as of September at least 28,487 children were on NHS waiting lists desperately seeking preliminary investigations for autism and ADHD.

The staggering figure represents an increase of 4489 on the previous year despite the fact neurodivergent people are more likely to encounter worsening physical and mental health issues if left without treatment and support.

Many desperate parents we spoke to told how they have been forced to seek diagnosis and treatment privately - but at a cost of up to £5000 that is an option many families cannot afford.

Politicians, parents and charities have now demanded quicker access to vital assessments and life-changing support for children.