28-05-2025
Adults unable to be diagnosed with ADHD or autism in Ayrshire as MSP blasts 'postcode lottery'
NHS Ayrshire and Arran has said that it is 'unable to facilitate referrals for standalone neurodevelopmental assessments' for adults.
Adults in Ayrshire are unable to obtain a diagnosis for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or autism as the area's health board doesn't have a 'specialist neurodevelopmental diagnostic service'.
Following a freedom of information request, NHS Ayrshire and Arran revealed that it is 'unable to facilitate referrals for standalone neurodevelopmental assessments' for adults.
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has said that the situation has 'effectively privatised' adult autism and ADHD services.
The Scottish Government has said it is working with local authorities and health boards to improve access to services.
In a Freedom of Information response, NHS Ayrshire and Arran said: "At present, there is no dedicated specialist neurodevelopmental diagnostic service within adult mental health services and therefore we are unable to facilitate referrals for standalone neurodevelopmental assessments."
Commenting, Mr Smyth said: 'It is a disgrace that a random postcode lottery is dictating who can get assessed for autism and ADHD.
'NHS Ayrshire and Arran is just one of the places in Scotland affected by this.
'But for huge parts of the country the SNP has effectively privatised ADHD and autism support.
'The truth is Scotland's NHS is no longer free and available at the point of need for too many Scots.
'The Scottish Government has torched the founding principles of our NHS and it is failing both children and adults with ADHD and autism.
'A Scottish Labour government will fix the mess the SNP has made of our NHS and ensure people with autism and ADHD can get the support they need.'
Mr Smyth also claimed that the Scottish Government had taken the 'controversial decision to remove children seeking ADHD and autism diagnoses from CAMHS (child adolescent mental heath services) waiting lists' but this has been categorically denied by the Scottish Government.
In a response to Ayrshire Live, the Scottish Government also highlighted that a record £21.7 billion would be spent on health and social care in 2025-26 and that the Adult Autism Support Fund will invest £1 million a year for community support for autistic adults.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Suggestions that the Government have inappropriately 'removed' young people seeking a diagnosis for a neurodevelopmental condition like autism or ADHD from CAMHS waiting lists are incorrect – CAMHS is not the correct service for children seeking a diagnosis for a neurodevelopmental condition, unless they are seeking support for a mental health condition.
'Long waits for mental healthcare are unacceptable and it is vital that people across Scotland receive support to meet their needs at the earliest opportunity. There has been a significant increase in demand for diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions and together with NHS Boards, local authorities and community partners we are working to improve access to the best possible care.'
