ADHD and autism assessment pathway

NHS Grampian serves a population of around 590,000. In February 2025, NHS Grampian disbanded its dedicated Adult Autism Assessment Team, leaving a significant gap in provision for adults seeking an autism diagnosis.

Last verified: July 2026 · Source: Scottish Parliament SB 25-25, June 2025

Adult Autism Assessment Team disbanded — February 2025

NHS Grampian's dedicated Adult Autism Assessment Team was disbanded in February 2025. Provision for adult autism assessment now varies by Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) area — meaning whether you can access an NHS autism assessment depends on where in Grampian you live. Confirm the current position with your GP.

Getting assessed as an adult

Adults seeking ADHD or autism assessment in NHS Grampian are referred through their GP. ADHD assessment through adult psychiatry continues to be available in principle, though waiting times are long. Adult autism assessment provision has been significantly reduced since February 2025.

See your GP

Bring specific examples of how your symptoms affect daily life. Mention that difficulties have been present since childhood. Ask your GP directly: "Is adult autism assessment currently available through NHS Grampian in my HSCP area?"

A completed ADHD screener or autism screener can support the conversation.

GP submits referral (if a pathway exists)

If a pathway is available in your area, your GP will refer you to the appropriate adult mental health or psychiatry service. For autism specifically, confirm with your GP whether a referral pathway currently exists — provision varies by HSCP area since February 2025.

Waiting list and assessment

If your referral is accepted, you will be placed on a waiting list. Contact NHS Grampian at nhsgrampian.org to confirm current provision. Given the disbanding of the Adult Autism Assessment Team, you may be directed to consider private assessment for autism specifically.

Adult autism assessment provision in Grampian differs by area. Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, and Moray are covered by separate Health and Social Care Partnerships — what is available in one may not be available in another. Always ask your GP which services exist in your specific area.

Getting your child assessed

Children's neurodevelopmental assessments in Grampian are typically handled by community paediatrics and CAMHS. The February 2025 changes primarily affected the adult autism team. Children's services continue, though waiting times remain lengthy.

Concern raised by family, school, or professional

A GP, school teacher, health visitor, or parent can raise a concern about a child's development. The referral route depends on the child's age and the nature of the concern.

GP submits referral to community paediatrics or CAMHS

For most children, the referral goes to community paediatrics. Children with significant co-existing mental health concerns may be referred to CAMHS. Confirm with your GP which route is appropriate for your child.

Waiting list

Waits in Grampian are long. Ask your GP for an estimate and ask to be notified if the service changes. While waiting, ask the school to put support in place under the Additional Support for Learning (Scotland) Act 2004 — no diagnosis is required for this.

Assessment and outcome

Assessment will involve the child, family, and often school. A diagnosis or clinical outcome is given. Support from school continues regardless of outcome.

While you wait — support and resources

You do not need a formal diagnosis to access most of the following. Given the current gaps in adult autism provision, these routes are particularly important in Grampian.

Peer support in Aberdeen and Grampian

The Scottish ADHD Coalition lists local groups across the north-east — no diagnosis is needed to attend.

Find local ADHD support groups in GrampianScottish ADHD Coalition map — find groups across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray

NHS Grampian resources

NHS Grampian — nhsgrampian.orgNHS Grampian main website — service information and contacts NHS Grampian CAMHSChild and Adolescent Mental Health Services — who we are and how to access support

Scotland-wide support organisations

ADHD ScotlandScotland's ADHD charity — helpline, resources, and support for all ages Scottish AutismSupport, advice, and resources for autistic people and their families across Scotland Scottish ADHD CoalitionBringing together ADHD organisations across Scotland — resources, campaigns, and local group finder

Your child's school rights — no diagnosis needed

Schools in Scotland are required to support children with additional needs under the Additional Support for Learning (Scotland) Act 2004. No diagnosis is required. Ask your child's school about a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP) or Individual Education Programme — these can be put in place while waiting for assessment.

Given the significant reduction in adult autism assessment provision in NHS Grampian, private assessment is worth considering. Our compare tool lists providers operating in and around Aberdeen and Grampian. Our shared care guide explains how to ask your GP for ongoing support after a private diagnosis.

Make your voice heard

The closure of the Adult Autism Assessment Team is a significant and harmful step. If this has affected you or your family, you can raise it with your MSP. Your MSP can ask questions of NHS Grampian and the Scottish Government on your behalf. Find your MSP at parliament.scot.

Sources

ADHD Scot is an independent, non-clinical information project. This page is based on publicly available information and may not reflect real-time changes to NHS services. The situation in NHS Grampian is actively changing. Always confirm current provision with your GP or NHS Grampian directly.