ADHD and autism assessment pathway
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is Scotland's largest health board, covering around 1.2 million people.
In Glasgow, referrals for adult ADHD assessment to Community Mental Health Teams rose by around 1,000% between 2018 and 2021 (Scottish Parliament Research Briefing SB 25-25, June 2025). Waiting times are long. Most adults referred today are waiting several years.
Reviewed by ADHD Scot,
Current NHS waiting times (FOI, July 2026)
In June 2026 we asked NHSGGC for its ADHD and autism waiting times under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. These are the figures the board reported, as of early July 2026. Adult and under-18 services are counted differently, so read them separately.
Adult ADHD wait by area (HSCP)
NHSGGC's adult ADHD list is run separately by each Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), and the wait varies enormously by area. The HSCP you live in is set by where your GP practice is, so where you are registered can change your wait by well over a year.
| Area (HSCP) | Median wait | Number waiting |
|---|---|---|
| East Dunbartonshire | 56 weeks | 635 |
| West Dunbartonshire | 58 weeks | 259 |
| East Renfrewshire | 67 weeks | 582 |
| Inverclyde | 84 weeks | 296 |
| Renfrewshire | 88 weeks | 2,207 |
| Glasgow City | 139 weeks | 4,907 |
| All areas | 111 weeks | 8,886 |
Adult ADHD, median wait for people currently on the list, all referral sources. Source: NHSGGC FOI 2601315, data extract 5 July 2026. These are waiting times only, not who qualifies for referral, see below.
Adult figures count everyone referred (not only GP referrals) and show how long people currently on the list have already waited. Under-18s run as one combined neurodevelopmental service that assesses ADHD, autism and other conditions together, so the two can't be fully separated, the true numbers are likely higher. A further 3,056 under-18s are waiting for a combined ADHD-and-autism assessment.
Getting assessed as an adult
Adults in NHSGGC are referred by their GP to adult mental health or psychiatry services for ADHD and autism assessment.
Being referred is not automatic. Adult ADHD assessment sits within adult mental health services, which apply a threshold based on how severely and persistently symptoms affect your daily functioning, so not everyone who asks is put forward. We have heard from many people across Scotland who were told they would only be assessed where the impact is severe, for example a significant effect on their ability to maintain work, study, housing or mental health. NHSGGC does not appear to publish clear adult ADHD referral criteria, which makes it hard to know where the line sits.
If you are told you do not meet the threshold, it is worth asking your practice for the written referral criteria and, if you are refused, for the reason in writing. When you go back, spell out how ADHD affects you in concrete terms across work, study, money, relationships, mental health and safety. A completed ADHD screener and a WFIRS functional impairment score can help you evidence the level of impact.
Bring specific examples of how your symptoms affect your daily life. Mention that difficulties have been present since childhood, even if unrecognised. A completed ADHD screener or autism screener can give the conversation structure.
Your GP refers you to NHSGGC adult mental health services. The referral is triaged to the appropriate service for assessment. Ask your GP for a written record of the referral date.
You are placed on a waiting list. Due to the significant increase in demand since 2020, waiting times are lengthy. See current reported wait times for NHSGGC.
Your assessment should use validated tools. For ADHD this typically includes a structured interview such as DIVA and rating scales such as Conners. For autism, ADOS-2 is the gold-standard observational tool. A thorough assessment draws on information from more than one source.
You receive a clinical outcome with an explanation. If diagnosed with ADHD, prescribing and titration may follow. If diagnosed as autistic, you will be directed to relevant support services.
What NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's own referral guidance says
NHSGGC publishes some referral guidance, though at the time of our review (September 2026) we could find no board-wide adult ADHD assessment page or position statement on nhsggc.scot, and no dedicated clinician-facing referral-criteria page for the Adult Autism Team. Key points from what is published:
- Adult autism: GP or mental health professional referral. The board's Autism Spectrum Disorder page (undated) states a GP or mental health professional may refer adults (over 18) to the NHSGGC Adult Autism Team, which offers a diagnostic service and post-diagnostic information and support (usually group-based).
- Adult ADHD: the only assessment service named is local. An occupational therapy services listing (undated) includes an "ADHD - assessment and intervention service (East Renfrewshire only)" among specialist mental health services.
- Private diagnoses: transfer must come via your GP. The board's policy for the referral of private ADHD patients (undated; covers Adult Mental Health and CAMHS) states all transfer-of-care referrals from private providers must come from the patient's registered GP, and private assessments are accepted only if made by a specialist and documented against the NICE NG87 components — otherwise the patient joins the NHSGGC ADHD assessment waiting list.
- Children: the CAMHS criteria date from 2017. The clinician-facing CAMHS referral criteria (PDF) (final 6 January 2017, amended 29 March 2019) cover 0–18s with moderate-to-severe mental health difficulties; concerns prompting referral include ADHD/hyperkinetic-related difficulties and complex neurodevelopmental/neuropsychiatric disorders. The Specialist Children's Services page (undated) describes Neurodevelopmental Teams working with Specialist Community Paediatric Teams and CAMHS to assess for and diagnose autism, ADHD and FASD.
Getting your child assessed
Children are typically referred by their GP to CAMHS or to community paediatrics, depending on age and presentation. NHSGGC has one of the largest children's waiting lists in Scotland, with over 7,000 young people waiting for neurodevelopmental assessment as of March 2025. Under the national Children's Neurodevelopmental Pathway framework (NAIT, 2021), support should be available based on need, not diagnosis. You should not need to wait for a formal diagnosis before asking for help at school or from other services.
A GP, school, or other professional raises concerns about a child's development. Parents can also raise concerns directly with their GP.
Referral goes to CAMHS or community paediatrics depending on the child's age and needs. Children with co-existing mental health concerns are more likely to be seen by CAMHS.
The child is placed on a waiting list. Waits in NHSGGC are among the longest in Scotland. See reported figures for current estimates.
Assessment involves the child, parents, and usually school. A clinical decision is made and appropriate support is recommended.
Private diagnosis and NHS shared care
NHSGGC has a published policy on the referral of privately diagnosed ADHD patients into NHS mental health services, available via Right Decisions (NHSGGC, 2024). This means that if you receive a private ADHD diagnosis, there is a documented process for transitioning into NHS care for ongoing prescribing support.
Whether your GP agrees to a shared care arrangement is still their decision. Our shared care guide explains your rights and what to do if your GP declines.
The Scottish Parliament debated NHSGGC shared care agreements specifically on 24 April 2025, which resulted in acknowledgement from ministers that the situation needed to improve.
While you wait, support and resources
You do not need a formal diagnosis to access most of the following resources. Support is available now.
Peer support in Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Glasgow has several active ADHD peer groups. No diagnosis is required to attend most groups.
NHSGGC resources
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 Education (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.
If the wait is too long, our compare tool lists private providers in and around Glasgow, with filters for HIS registration, cost, and shared care support.
References
- NAIT, Children's Neurodevelopmental Pathway Practice Framework (Scottish Government funded), May 2021
- Scottish Government, National Neurodevelopmental Specification: principles and standards of care for children and young people, 2021
- Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, ADHD and autism pathways and support, January 2026
- Scottish Parliament Research Briefing SB 25-25: Neurodevelopmental Pathways and Waiting Times in Scotland, June 2025
- Right Decisions, NHSGGC policy: referral of private ADHD patients to NHS GGC mental health services
- Scottish Parliament debate: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Shared Care Agreements (ADHD and Autism), 24 April 2025
- NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, nhsggc.org.uk