ADHD and autism assessment pathway
NHS Dumfries and Galloway covers the Dumfries and Galloway council area, serving around 148,000 people. In response to a Freedom of Information request in July 2026, the board responded that waiting-time data across all four categories is not held in a reportable format (Section 17 of FOISA). It also confirmed there is no adult ADHD or autism assessment service.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway responded to our FOI request under Section 17 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. Section 17 applies when a public body does not hold the requested information at all. The board confirmed there is no ADHD or autism assessment service, there is no waiting list because there is no pathway to be placed on.
Reviewed by ADHD Scot,
Getting your child assessed
No data providedNHS Dumfries and Galloway told us they don't record children's ADHD or autism waiting time data in a way they can report. This means we can't tell you how long children wait or how many are on a list. It does not mean there is no children's service, only that the board doesn't measure it in a way they can share. Your GP is the best starting point to find out what's available locally.
Your GP can tell you what CAMHS routes are available in Dumfries and Galloway, and whether a referral to a neighbouring board is possible if there is no local pathway.
Explain your child's difficulties in detail, behaviour at home, school concerns, developmental history. Ask your GP specifically what assessment routes are available for children in the Dumfries and Galloway area, and whether a referral to another board or regional service is possible.
Ask your GP directly what CAMHS ADHD and autism assessment routes exist in Dumfries and Galloway. If local provision is limited, GPs can sometimes refer to a neighbouring board, this is not guaranteed but worth asking about.
If no NHS route is available, a private assessment followed by a shared care arrangement with your GP may be the most realistic option. Our compare tool lists registered private providers, and our shared care guide explains how this works.
Getting assessed as an adult
No pathway, Section 17NHS Dumfries and Galloway confirmed under Section 17 of FOISA that there is no adult ADHD or autism assessment service in the board area. There is no waiting list because there is no pathway to be placed on. This applies to both ADHD and autism assessment for adults.
This is not a case of a long waiting list, the board confirmed the service does not exist. Adults in Dumfries and Galloway seeking an ADHD or autism assessment through NHS Scotland will need to explore alternative routes with their GP, including cross-board referral or a private assessment.
Explain how ADHD or autism symptoms affect your daily life, work, and relationships. Use our ADHD screener or autism screener to gather evidence to support the conversation. Ask directly what NHS assessment options exist for adults in this area.
Your GP may be able to refer you to a neighbouring board's service, or to secondary care mental health services where ADHD or autism could be assessed as part of a broader assessment. Ask for written confirmation of what is and is not available locally.
Given the absence of a local NHS pathway, a private assessment with shared care may be the most direct route to diagnosis. Our compare tool lists private providers across Scotland, filtered by HIS registration, cost, and shared care support.
FOI response
No pathway, Section 17ADHD Scot submitted a Freedom of Information request to all 14 Scottish health boards on 24 June 2026, asking for ADHD and autism assessment waiting times for adults and children. NHS Dumfries and Galloway responded on 17 July 2026.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway responded under Section 17 of FOISA, stating that waiting time data across all four assessment types (adult ADHD, CAMHS ADHD, adult autism, CAMHS autism) is not held in a reportable format. The board additionally confirmed there is no adult ADHD or autism assessment service. The response did not address whether a CAMHS pathway for children exists.
While you wait, support and resources
You do not need a formal diagnosis to access most of the following resources. Support is available now regardless of where you are in the process.
Peer support in Dumfries & Galloway
Scotland-wide support organisations
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 about a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP) or Individual Education Programme, these can be put in place while waiting for assessment.
Given the absence of an NHS assessment pathway in Dumfries and Galloway, our compare tool lists private providers across Scotland with filters for HIS registration, cost, and shared care support. Our shared care guide explains what happens after a private diagnosis.
References
- FOI response Ref: 26-176, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, 17 July 2026, provided in response to a request from ADHD Scot
- NHS Dumfries and Galloway, nhsdg.co.uk
- Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, ADHD and autism pathways and support, January 2026