Scot Lib Dems call for new treatment pathways for neurodiversity

On Wednesday 28th May, Scottish Liberal Democrats will lead a debate in the Scottish Parliament where they will demand new treatment pathways for neurodiversity, warning that the lack of treatment options is negatively impacting the Scottish economy.

In the debate, the party will highlight a series of SNP failings including

• the lack of adequate provision for neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly in the context of a sharp rise in demand for neurodiversity assessments and treatment for adults and children following the COVID-19 pandemic.
• the wider economic consequences of rising levels of economic inactivity linked to unmet health needs.
• the widespread removal of shared care arrangements where patients who obtained a private diagnoses for conditions like ADHD could receive ongoing care and medication through the Scottish NHS.

Speaking ahead of the debate, Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

"Scotland is completely failing on provision for neurodevelopmental conditions.

"Since the pandemic, there has been a sharp rise in demand for neurodiversity assessments but instead of the government seizing an opportunity to build back better, services have collapsed.

"Currently people are facing waiting lists that stretch into the years. Many of them have ended up going private but even once they get a diagnosis, they cannot get a prescription filled.

"Ensuring people who need support can access it swiftly is not just the compassionate choice, it would also be the sensible one economically, allowing people to get back to work.

"The Scottish Government need to work urgently with NHS boards and local authorities to devise a robust protocol on the use of shared care arrangements to allow for their use where appropriate, and listen to the proposals from the Royal College of Psychiatrists for new treatment pathways for neurodevelopmental conditions."