Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 6 November 2025
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that children with additional support needs are not subject to indirect discrimination under section 19 of the Equality Act 2010, as a result of so-called First In, First Out-only waiting list policies for neurodevelopmental services.
The Scottish Government is clear that no child or young person should face any form of discrimination when seeking neurodevelopmental support.
NHS Boards are expected to ensure that their approaches to service delivery are consistent with national guidance and statutory frameworks, including the National Neurodevelopmental Specification and the Equality Act.
The National Neurodevelopmental Specification is clear that support should be available at the point of need through a multi-agency approach, encompassing all local children’s services. The Specification is also clear that support should not be dependent on – or wait for – a diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental condition.