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"Waiting times for assessment. Unacceptable Delays and Lack of Support"

About: Children's Specialist Health Services / Neurodevelopmental Service (NDS)

(as a parent/guardian),

It has now been over two years since my daughter was referred to the Neurodevelopmental Team for an assessment for autism and ADHD, and we are still waiting. During this time, we’ve had little to no communication or updates about when she will finally be seen.

My daughter shows clear signs of both conditions, and this ongoing delay has had a serious impact on her education, emotional wellbeing, and daily life. This not only affects the life of my daughter but also her brother and sister who live with her. As a family we are feeling the impact of this as we not only have to watch her struggle but also feel the effects of her outbursts both physically and emotionally. 

We’ve been left to manage on our own without proper guidance, support, or understanding from services that require a formal diagnosis before offering help.

It is heartbreaking and frustrating to watch a child struggle while being told to “wait” indefinitely. Two years is far too long for a child to go without assessment or support—especially when early intervention is known to make such a difference.

Families should not have to fight this hard or wait this long for something so essential. I am asking for transparency about why these delays are happening, what is being done to address them, and when my daughter will finally be seen. The system is failing children and families who are simply asking for the help they deserve.

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Responses

Response from Suzanne Shields, North Lanarkshire Health & Social Care Partnership yesterday
Suzanne Shields
North Lanarkshire Health & Social Care Partnership
Submitted on 21/10/2025 at 15:41
Published on Care Opinion at 15:41


Dear Parent,

Thank you for your Care Opinion. I am sorry that you have to wait for an assessment. We have a very long waiting list which we are working hard to address. We have a large number or resources and supports that we can share whilst you wait.

If you would like to contact me directly on 01698 687490 and I can look into your daughter's case as well as sharing what might help in the interim.

Best regards,

Suzanne Shields

Clinical Manager

Neurodevelopmental Service

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Response from Colin Smith, Manager, North Lanarkshire Carers Together, North Lanarkshire Carers Together yesterday
Colin Smith
Manager, North Lanarkshire Carers Together,
North Lanarkshire Carers Together

Manager of North Lanarkshire Carers Together.

Submitted on 21/10/2025 at 15:43
Published on Care Opinion at 19:28


picture of Colin Smith

Hello Snowbm77

Thank you for sharing your story on Care Opinion.

You may not be aware, but you can access some supports while you are waiting on your daughters assessment.

The Neuro Service offer some resources and workshops: https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/services/neurodevelopmental-service-for-children-and-young-people/

Our service at Carers Together also offers a Family Support Service which Neuro or your daughters school can refer to. Please speak to either to ask about a referral. You can find out more about this and our other services to support you as parents of a young person with additional needs on our website here: https://www.carerstogether.org/neurodevelopmental/

Best wishes

Colin

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