Is there a legal maximum waiting time for autism assessment in Scotland?

There is a 36-week standard for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and an 18-week aspiration for diagnostic tests, but there is no equivalent enforceable standard specifically for adult neurodevelopmental assessment, and most boards are not meeting the 36-week benchmark for autism assessment.

Guides & Answers → Scotland

How long is the autism assessment waiting list in Scotland?

Q: How long is the autism assessment waiting list in Scotland?

As of March 2025, around 42,300 children and 23,300 adults were waiting for a neurodevelopmental (autism or ADHD) assessment in Scotland. The median adult wait was about 76 weeks, ranging from roughly 24 to 146 weeks across health boards, and most boards saw fewer than half of people within the recommended 36-week standard. For many people the wait is measured in years rather than months, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists has described these lists as 'hidden' because the figures are not routinely published.

The latest official figures, in plain English — and what families can do while they wait.

Short answer: As of March 2025, about 42,300 children and 23,300 adults were waiting for a neurodevelopmental (autism or ADHD) assessment in Scotland. The median adult wait was around 76 weeks (roughly 24–146 weeks depending on the health board), and most boards saw fewer than half of people within the recommended 36-week standard. For many, the wait is measured in years.

Measure (March 2025)	Figure
Children waiting for a neurodevelopmental assessment	~42,300
Adults waiting	~23,300
Median adult wait	~76 weeks (range ~24–146 weeks by board)
Boards meeting the 36-week standard	Fewer than half in most boards
Enforceable adult ND waiting-time standard	None (unlike the CAMHS 36-week standard)

Why the lists are called "hidden"

Scotland does not routinely publish neurodevelopmental waiting-time figures, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists has described the lists as "hidden". A further concern is that some young people are removed from lists or "age out" of children's services before an assessment happens. The Scottish Parliament's research service has set out the scale of the problem.

What can families do while waiting?

You do not need a formal diagnosis to access many kinds of support. Practical steps include:

Ask your school's additional support for learning (ASL) team and educational psychology service about support that doesn't require a diagnosis.
Contact the National Autistic Society and Scottish Autism for advice and family support.
Use Enquire, Scotland's additional support for learning advice service.
Look for community activities designed for autistic children — sensory-friendly, low-stimulation and one-to-one — that support wellbeing regardless of diagnosis status.

Figures are the most recent official estimates at the time of writing and are updated periodically — verify at source before citing in a formal document.

Sources

Neurodevelopmental Pathways and Waiting Times in Scotland — Scottish Parliament (SPICe), June 2025 — parliament.scot
Public Health Scotland — CAMHS waiting times — publichealthscotland.scot
National Autistic Society — What can I do while waiting for an autism assessment? — autism.org.uk

Last reviewed: 15 July 2026 · Stable Ground

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Stable Ground is building one-to-one animal-assisted sessions for autistic children across East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire — open to children with or without a formal diagnosis.

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