Dundee and Angus Greens respond to NHS Tayside’s closure of ADHD and Autism Assessment Waiting List
We urge NHS Tayside to reconsider its decision to close the waiting list for ADHD and autism assessments by its specialist mental health service, CAMHS.
This decision means that it will no longer be possible to access an NHS diagnosis for these conditions in Tayside, except for those with a co-existing mental health problem.
Emma Pollard, a Angus based green party member said:
“As a parent to two neurodivergent children, this is a crushing announcement. CAHMS claim that diagnosis is not a requirement for accessing neurodiversity support, but our own experience proves this is not always the case.
Everyone who has a diagnosis started out as someone seeking one, and closing the waiting list means people can no longer even demonstrate a referral as evidence of need for support. It is devastating for ND people and those who care for them to know that they must wait until they are in mental health crisis before the system will consider providing support. The result will be a huge and needless waste not just of resources but, more importantly, of human potential.