The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee is undertaking an inquiry into Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) pathways and support. The Committee is seeking to understand: why waiting times for diagnosis and management of ADHD and ASD are reportedly long; how these conditions are diagnosed and managed; the impact of delays on individuals; and possible solutions to improve capacity of services, referral pathways and support. The call for views will close on Monday 18 August.
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The inquiry will consider the following in relation to neurodevelopmental pathways for ADHD and ASD:
- 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 ASD 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.
ASD 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.
