Autistic adults across Scotland are set to benefit from more than £600,000 in new Scottish Government funding aimed at improving access to advice, support and assessments, including help for those waiting for a formal diagnosis.
The investment forms part of wider efforts to strengthen neurodevelopmental support services for both adults and children, with ministers preparing to publish a draft route map for adult neurodevelopmental support later this autumn.
The funding is intended to ensure that people can access the right help at the right time, tailored to their individual needs, regardless of whether they have received a formal diagnosis.
The upcoming route map will introduce a four-tier approach to neurodevelopmental support. Based on recommendations from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the framework will include:
- Public health support
- Universal support services
- Targeted interventions
- Intensive support for those with the most complex needs
The approach is designed to provide earlier intervention and reduce pressure on specialist services, which have experienced rising demand in recent years.
The Scottish Government said the funding will help improve access to support while people await assessment and will contribute to efforts to reduce delays across neurodevelopmental services.
Scottish Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said:
“I know that too many neurodivergent people, including those with autism, are waiting too long for the support they need.
“This funding will help improve people’s access to support based on their individual needs, and supports our aim for people to be able to access support as soon as needs are identified regardless of diagnostic status.
“Specialist secondary services have been overwhelmed in recent years with increased demand for assessments and support.
“Tackling that is key so we can ensure neurodivergent people, and people with learning disabilities are understood, supported, and empowered.”
The announcement reflects a growing focus on shifting support away from diagnosis-led pathways and towards need-based support, enabling individuals to access assistance earlier while reducing pressure on specialist assessment services.
As demand for autism and wider neurodevelopmental services continues to increase, public sector organisations, NHS boards and local authorities will be watching closely to see how the forthcoming route map supports more consistent provision across Scotland.
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