Save the NHS Grampian Autism and ADHD Assessment pathways
Save the NHS Grampian Autism and ADHD Assessment pathways
The Issue
On 14th February 2025 we learned of the heart-breaking plans by Aberdeenshire HSCP to close the Autism and ADHD assessment pathways.
Like many of you we are absolutely devastated to hear this. The loss of this vital service – being blamed on lack of Scottish Government funding – is a false economy and in their own risk assessment the Aberdeenshire HSCP acknowledge that it may cost them additional monies and strain on other services. The HSCP also acknowledge that these services are not fit for purpose.
We are dismayed that the Integrated Impact Assessment does not fully reflect the full destructive impact this will have on our community. We strongly feel that they underestimate the negative effects this will have on the lives of Autistic children as well as adults.
The report acknowledges the high rates of suicide and suicidal ideation within the Autistic community, and our below average life span. It acknowledges that access to an assessment has a preventative effect for many, yet despite this they are still recommending the pathway closes in order to save money.
Their suggestion that Autistic people feeling suicidal can access 3rd sector support – which is also woefully under funded to the point of being practically non existent in the area – is shockingly ill-informed.
Accessing private assessments is set out as an alternative in the report, but the funding required is massively prohibitive, especially for a group who they also acknowledge are under employed.
A lack of access to a diagnostic pathway will negatively impact access to ADP, employment support, increase drop out rates of tertiary education, and in many cases, our life expectancy.
The service is due to cease work at the end of March 2025 so urgent action is required.
Marion McLaughlin and Felicity Goodhall
5,231
The Issue
On 14th February 2025 we learned of the heart-breaking plans by Aberdeenshire HSCP to close the Autism and ADHD assessment pathways.
Like many of you we are absolutely devastated to hear this. The loss of this vital service – being blamed on lack of Scottish Government funding – is a false economy and in their own risk assessment the Aberdeenshire HSCP acknowledge that it may cost them additional monies and strain on other services. The HSCP also acknowledge that these services are not fit for purpose.
We are dismayed that the Integrated Impact Assessment does not fully reflect the full destructive impact this will have on our community. We strongly feel that they underestimate the negative effects this will have on the lives of Autistic children as well as adults.
The report acknowledges the high rates of suicide and suicidal ideation within the Autistic community, and our below average life span. It acknowledges that access to an assessment has a preventative effect for many, yet despite this they are still recommending the pathway closes in order to save money.
Their suggestion that Autistic people feeling suicidal can access 3rd sector support – which is also woefully under funded to the point of being practically non existent in the area – is shockingly ill-informed.
Accessing private assessments is set out as an alternative in the report, but the funding required is massively prohibitive, especially for a group who they also acknowledge are under employed.
A lack of access to a diagnostic pathway will negatively impact access to ADP, employment support, increase drop out rates of tertiary education, and in many cases, our life expectancy.
The service is due to cease work at the end of March 2025 so urgent action is required.
Marion McLaughlin and Felicity Goodhall
5,231
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Petition created on 15 February 2025