The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee is undertaking an inquiry into Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism pathways and support. The inquiry seeks to:

• understand why waiting times for diagnosis and management of ADHD and autism are reportedly long, including the drivers of increasing demand
• understand how these conditions are diagnosed and managed
• understand the impact of delays on individuals
• explore solutions to improve capacity of services, referral pathways and support.

The inquiry will consider the following in relation to neurodevelopmental pathways for ADHD and autism:

• referral pathways
• assessment, criteria and treatment thresholds
• waiting times
• "waiting well" and support pre-diagnosis
• transitions between services
• funding
• workforce
• the impact on individuals of receiving a diagnosis or waiting for a diagnosis 

Background

Both ADHD and autism are neurodevelopmental conditions.

ADHD is characterised by a group of symptoms that includes difficulty in concentrating, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. It affects around 5% of school-aged children, and between 2.5% and 4% of adults.

Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects the way a person communicates, interacts and processes information. It is often characterised by social and communication difficulties and by repetitive behaviours. Current estimates indicate about 1 in 34 people are autistic, just under 3% of the population.

At its meeting on 7 October, the Committee agreed to change the title of this inquiry to "ADHD and autism pathways and support".

Read the minutes of the meeting on 7 October 2025