Tayside families 'scared' after health board confirms no new referrals for autism and ADHD diagnosis

Families in Tayside waiting for an autism or ADHD assessment are worried their children won’t get the support they need.

The health board said this week it would no longer accept referrals for diagnosis unless there is another mental health condition.

NHS Tayside cited “extensive waiting lists” as the reason for its decision.

In a post on its Facebook page, NHS Tayside said: “While a formal assessment and diagnosis can provide a clearer understanding of certain patterns of behaviour, it is important to know that it is not necessary in order to access many forms of support, including additional support within school.

“We know that navigating concerns about your child’s development can feel overwhelming, and we want to ensure you have the right support and guidance.”

Andrew Crosbie’s grandson is waiting to be seen by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

But he received a letter two days ago directing him to several other support websites.

Mr Crosbie told STV News he’s been left in the dark about how to support his grandson.

He said: “I don’t know if he’s misbehaving or if there is something there. I don’t know how to act with him. I don’t know if I’m giving him into trouble when I shouldn’t be giving him into trouble because it’s not his fault.”

The National Autistic Society, which supports hundreds of people in the Dundee and Angus area, has been inundated with calls from parents and carers since the announcement was made.

Charleen Morton, manager of the charity’s Dundee and Angus branch, said: “It’s beyond comprehension about how they can do this to children.

“We’ve had a few people very concerned, scared and worried about their own families and children.

“It’s also the lack of clarity on the (social media) post about what it means for people already on the list. Are they going to be seen?”

Long waiting lists for CAMHS isn’t unique to NHS Tayside.

A freedom of information request by the Scottish Conservatives found it’s an issue across the country.

More than 400 children and young people have waited longer than three years for a neurodevelopmental assessment in Tayside.

The average wait for an ADHD assessment in NHS Highland is 137 weeks, while children in Ayrshire and Arran are waiting more than six years for an autism assessment.

Conservative MSP for Aberdeenshire West Alexander Burnett, convener of the Scottish Parliament’s autism group, criticised the move by NHS Tayside.

He said: “CAMHS is the accepted way for parents to seek a diagnosis.

“It’s the lack of a diagnosis and the lack of the right tools that’s letting parents down.”

NHS Tayside shared an internal briefing with STV News that states the “criteria” for the neurodevelopmental pathway has been “refined”, meaning children and young people with a co-existing mental health condition will be accepted by CAMHS.

It said CAMHS teams have been working with partners in the third sector, education, social work and GPs to change the focus from diagnosis to needs-based support.

The new policy does not apply to young people who have already had a letter of acceptance to CAMHS or the neurodevelopmental pathway.

It is unclear whether the halt is permanent or temporary.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We are aware of NHS Tayside’s decision to pause new referrals for a neurodevelopmental assessment to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for children without a co-existing mental health condition.

“This decision does not mean there is no support available for children and young people seeking a CAMHS referral in NHS Tayside, or support for their neurodivergence.

“We’d expect the board to sensitively signpost other appropriate services, including community-based supports, that can be accessed by children and young people when a CAMHS referral is not available.”