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Hansard

Every contribution to the Official Report — chamber and committee — searchable in one place. Pulled from data.parliament.scot, indexed for full-text search, linked through to every MSP.

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1999–2026

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Showing 53 of 2,354,908 contributions. Latest 30 days: 0. Coverage: 12 May 1999 — 25 Mar 2026.

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

The role of the third sector is hugely important. I know that the committee had an evidence session with many of the organisations that have worked and engaged with the Government over the years. Whether it is the funding that we provide to Scottish Autism for the autism advic...

The Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing (Tom Arthur) SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

Good morning. I welcome the opportunity to speak to the committee and to contribute to its important inquiry. Across the United Kingdom and globally, we are witnessing a significant and growing demand for neurodevelopmental support and diagnosis. That is not unique to Scotlan...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

We have the national specification for children and young people. We conducted the implementation review jointly with COSLA and updated the Parliament in June about that. The cross-sector task force has been established; it met for the first time earlier this month. There will...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

That is an important point. We in Government certainly try to support boards and local partners to take forward best practice. The National Autism Implementation Team published the pathways report a couple of years ago. The Government accepted the recommendations from that and...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

The committee has heard evidence about using multidisciplinary teams and taking a partnership approach. I come back to the important point that Stephen McLeod made about using the data that we already have in the system and the range of opportunities to develop an understandin...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

I recognise the importance being placed on the proposed learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence bill. I will not reiterate the points that my predecessor made with regard to the rationale for the decision that was taken, but I assure the committee that it is commandi...

The Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing (Tom Arthur) SNP Chamber

General Question Time · Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Assessments (Glasgow)

The Scottish Government recognises that demand for ADHD assessment and support has increased significantly in recent years. We also understand that a diagnosis can be helpful for people who are seeking support with ADHD. However, that should not be a substitute for providing s...

The Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing (Tom Arthur) SNP Chamber

General Question Time · ADHD and Autism Assessments (NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde)

The Scottish Government has allocated £3.1 billion to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in this financial year. Along with local partners, national health service boards are responsible for prioritising funding to ensure that their local neurodivergent populations receive the supp...

Tom Arthur SNP Chamber

Young People’s Neurodivergence, Mental Health and Wellbeing

The first thing that I want to say is that I do not view the rise in visibility and demand as catastrophic—I do not think that that is what Brian Whittle intended to say. Neurodivergent people have always been with us, whether as our friends, in our family or in our communitie...

The Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing (Tom Arthur) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · ADHD Medication (Adults)

First, I clarify that not all adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder require medication and that a range of non-pharmacological supports should be made available following diagnosis. When medication is required, it can be prescribed by specialist services followi...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

Your question raises an important point, convener. At the outset, I stress that I fully recognise the importance of assessment and diagnosis, not only for individuals but for families, in order to understand need and for reasons of identity and validation; in some circumstance...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

The committee has heard about the variation throughout Scotland. In our engagement with health boards and local authorities, we are undertaking work to understand the data that they hold and get a clearer picture of where variation exists. That will help to inform our response...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

As I said in my opening statement, a traditional NHS waiting times approach is not sufficient. The Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland published a paper—it was specific to adult cases—at the start of the work. It spoke about the increase in demand that we have seen in r...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

The need for collaboration across sectors is a really important point. It is particularly important for children and young people with regards to educational settings and the responsibilities that are placed on local authorities as education authorities. My clear expectatio...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

That is an important point. There is the risk not just of substance misuse but of poorer mental health. That speaks to the point about a needs-based approach and the earliest intervention. For children and young people, there is an opportunity for that to take place in an educ...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

Absolutely—you make a very powerful and profound point, Ms Harper. We have to bear in mind the complexity and the need to respond to individual need. We speak of neurodevelopmental conditions as existing on a spectrum, and they will manifest and present in different ways. As s...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

Thank you for your question. You have summarised a lot of the issues and the complexity. One particular issue that has been raised with the committee, which has probably been raised by our constituents with all of us in our capacity as MSPs, concerns what is described as share...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

Of course I want to ensure that every individual who requires diagnosis and treatment through the NHS is able to access that. That is the founding principle of our national health service—

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

Yes, they play a—

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

I know that this is not your intention at all, Mr Harvie, but the term “treatment” is almost suggestive of the fact that something is to be cured or remedied. I know that that is not—

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

It is in specific cases, consistent with clinical guidelines. For many people with a neurodivergent condition, support can be provided through very minor and straightforward environmental adjustments and peer support.

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

On those particular points, the role that the third sector plays is vital, and it does tremendous work. I recognise some of the challenges that have been articulated to the committee and in relation to some of the decisions—

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

As I tried to say in my opening statement, part of the answer has to be about moving away from that paradigm of the traditional NHS waiting list approach. I appreciate that the committee took evidence from the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland on the paper that it pub...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

Work is already under way. The policy framework for children and young people—the national specification—is in place. We recognise that there is an implementation gap, hence the work that I have referred to. That is under way and I want it to move at pace. We are working with ...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

What should happen is what is set out in the national specification. Stephen McLeod made some points about how we can work effectively to utilise the data that is gathered from the innumerable interactions that are already taking place in the system, such as in educational set...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

I recognise the importance that many people will place on the independent sector. Those who have the means to do so may choose to exercise their right to utilise it. When it comes to the interaction with the NHS, those decisions are ultimately clinical decisions to be taken...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

That gets to the heart of the challenges that we have been discussing this morning. The process of developing a national specification is a collaborative endeavour. In the case of the national specification for children and young people, we recognised that there were challenge...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

The review set out a range of actions in the short, medium and long term that will provide a means of assessing progress, and the task force is taking forward that work. On the additional resource that was committed to, I hope to be in a position relatively soon to set out...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

That is such an important point. As the committee will be aware from the work that it has undertaken, there is a significant increase in demand among adults, which could be for a multitude of reasons. Perhaps their child was assessed, prompting thought and reflection about the...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

The whole-system approach is why the task force is jointly chaired with representation from those in health and education. However, in certain respects, it goes beyond only a whole-system approach to a whole-society approach. Cultural change is difficult, but having to move t...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

If we consider the statutory framework that our education authorities operate under, we see that an inclusive approach in which needs are assessed and support is provided based on those needs is already in statute. There are requirements for that in the way in which our educat...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

I come back to the point about the work of the task force and of the joint review. COSLA and the Scottish Government are working in partnership with local authorities on the review, and the task force is being jointly chaired by those in the health and education sectors. That ...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

It is really important to recognise that that resource is available. I add that it is available at three levels, so there is an opportunity to develop knowledge and expertise further. On the uptake and utilisation of the training, I do not have any data or statistics to hand, ...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

My clear expectation is that anyone who is waiting for assessment should be sensitively signposted to support that is available. I reiterate the point that diagnosis is not, and should not be, a prerequisite for support. Education and local authorities should not be using the ...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

We have a national neurodevelopmental specification for children and young people, and I expect to see a consistent approach. In our work with health boards, my strong desire is that we achieve consistency. In saying that, I recognise that there is variation to respond to the...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

I have to operate within the constitutional and legislative framework that exists with regard to the autonomy of local authorities, of which, ultimately, Parliament is the custodian. Although it is entirely a matter for Parliament and individual committees to determine what to...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

To answer the question in the spirit in which it was asked, I will say yes. However, I caveat that with what I said in my opening statement about conceiving of this in a traditional NHS waiting times paradigm. To ensure that there is broader consistency across Scotland and in ...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

In response to a question from Emma Harper, we referred to the resources that are available. If I recall correctly, NAIT participated in the development of those resources, which operate at three levels. Resource is in place. I committed to consider further Emma Harper’s poin...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

I have two points to make. First, Gavin Gray touched on the service renewal framework. There is a particular focus on prevention, which will prompt detailed consideration of current funding arrangements and whether areas are prioritised to ensure that the focus on prevention i...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

The link between health and education is vital. That is why it is so important, in taking forward the action that is set out in the implementation review, that the task force that has been established has representation and co-chairing from both health and education. That very...

Brian Whittle SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

On the workforce, I spoke to the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland and I heard that a lot of the burden is falling on psychiatrists, even though it should not. They are not the ideal people to diagnose neurodivergence, but the burden is falling on them. The college sa...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

Work has been undertaken in relation to the workforce. The Royal College of Psychiatrists makes a profound point in the paper that it has published. That speaks to the need for a stepped care approach that is based on need and looking at the opportunities for early interventio...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

I thank you for that important question, Ms Whitham, and for clarifying the distinction. I am conscious that, in the past, there might have been some conflation between CAMHS and ND. CAMHS is a specialist service for children, adolescents and young people with acute mental hea...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

That is it in a nutshell—we are working to assess and understand the level of need and to ensure that we meet it. With the exception of situations where there is a comorbidity, CAMHS is not the appropriate pathway for a neurodevelopmental condition. So that there is no doubt,...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

Yes, but, again, in the development of our understanding, it has become very clear that there is a clear distinction between a mental health condition and a neurodevelopmental condition. They are distinct. A neurodevelopmental condition is not a mental illness or a mental heal...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

When it comes to the work that we are taking forward on understanding data, I want to consider the opportunities for presenting it. I should caveat that with my previous points about the paradigm in this respect and thinking of CAMHS referrals in a traditional NHS waiting list...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

I am conscious of the points that have been raised and the comprehensive briefing that was provided by the Scottish Parliament information centre just before the inquiry was launched. Ultimately, health boards are responsible for such operational matters in their day-to-day wo...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

My point is that that is why we are having that level of engagement with health boards. We have previously written to all health boards about data, and we are collating and assessing what they have provided. The important issue for me is ensuring that, in undertaking that wor...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

Yes, I will undertake specific engagement with the panels that were established, but this is also a feature of my wider engagement with a range of organisations representing all the interests that would be affected by the bill. It has featured as a matter for discussion very f...

Tom Arthur SNP Chamber

Neurodevelopmental Conditions (Support)

I appreciate the problems. In emphasising the importance of a needs-based approach, I want to be absolutely crystal clear that I recognise the importance that is placed on diagnosis. I would not want my remarks to be misconstrued in any way, whether unintentionally or intentio...

Tom Arthur SNP Chamber

General Question Time · Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessments (NHS Tayside)

I concur with Mr Marra and appreciate the points that he raises. I want to be absolutely clear that such lengths of waits are completely unacceptable. I made that point directly to the chief executive of NHS Tayside, as I have to every other health board that I have met. I rec...

Tom Arthur SNP Chamber

I recognise Elena Whitham’s long-standing championing of these issues, and she will be aware of the importance that I place on them, too.It is of the utmost importance that we ensure that all our public services are delivered in a neuro-inclusive way. Indeed, that has been par...

Tom Arthur SNP Committee

Neurodivergence

:I appreciate that that area is of significant interest to the committee, particularly given the evidence that I know you have taken over recent weeks. Similarly, it was obviously an area of significant interest to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee.I point to two pie...

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Committee

Health, Social Care and Sport Committee 28 October 2025

28 Oct 2025 · S6 · Health, Social Care and Sport Committee

Item of business

ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support

Arthur, Tom SNP Renfrewshire South Watch on SPTV

The role of the third sector is hugely important. I know that the committee had an evidence session with many of the organisations that have worked and engaged with the Government over the years. Whether it is the funding that we provide to Scottish Autism for the autism advice line, the autistic adult support fund or the additional resource that we are providing this year—

In the same item of business

The Convener SNP

Our next agenda item is evidence taking from the Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing as part of the committee’s inquiry into attention deficit hype...

The Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing (Tom Arthur) SNP

Good morning. I welcome the opportunity to speak to the committee and to contribute to its important inquiry. Across the United Kingdom and globally, we are...

The Convener SNP

Thank you, Mr Arthur. We will move straight to questions. I put on record the fact that I hold a bank nurse contract with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. An ...

Tom Arthur SNP

Your question raises an important point, convener. At the outset, I stress that I fully recognise the importance of assessment and diagnosis, not only for in...

The Convener SNP

What is the Scottish Government doing to tackle waiting times for a diagnosis? I hear what you are saying about the needs-based approach and the supports tha...

Tom Arthur SNP

The committee has heard about the variation throughout Scotland. In our engagement with health boards and local authorities, we are undertaking work to under...

Stephen McLeod (Scottish Government)

The work of the task force is the answer to your question, convener. The implementation gap in relation to the national neurodevelopmental specification was ...

The Convener SNP

We will come on to data specifically a bit later on in the session, so I will leave it there and move to Sandesh Gulhane.

Sandesh Gulhane (Glasgow) (Con) Con

I declare an interest as a practising NHS general practitioner. Good morning, minister. You spoke about better data. There were 42,000 children and 23,000 a...

Tom Arthur SNP

As I said in my opening statement, a traditional NHS waiting times approach is not sufficient. The Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland published a pap...

Sandesh Gulhane Con

When do we expect to see the needs-based approach?

Tom Arthur SNP

We have the national specification for children and young people. We conducted the implementation review jointly with COSLA and updated the Parliament in Jun...

Sandesh Gulhane Con

There is a high prevalence of neurodivergent young people and adults engaging with the criminal justice system. What steps are being taken to strengthen the ...

Tom Arthur SNP

The need for collaboration across sectors is a really important point. It is particularly important for children and young people with regards to educational...

Sandesh Gulhane Con

My final question is on the criminal justice system. We know that young people and adults with untreated ADHD are at an increased risk of developing substanc...

Tom Arthur SNP

That is an important point. There is the risk not just of substance misuse but of poorer mental health. That speaks to the point about a needs-based approach...

Emma Harper (South Scotland) (SNP) SNP

Good morning. Sandesh Gulhane touched on the issues involving criminal justice, health and assessment, and you spoke in your opening statement about the coll...

Tom Arthur SNP

Absolutely—you make a very powerful and profound point, Ms Harper. We have to bear in mind the complexity and the need to respond to individual need. We spea...

Dr Lynne Taylor (Scottish Government)

I am a clinical consultant psychologist by background, and I know that you have heard from colleagues from multidisciplinary backgrounds. Emma Harper raise...

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green) Green

I do not know whether any colleagues wish to ask a supplementary question before I—

The Convener SNP

No—Emma Harper’s question was a supplementary.

Patrick Harvie Green

Okay. I beg your pardon. I wish to move on to discuss the role of the private sector—and a few other members have questions on this theme, too. There are qu...

Tom Arthur SNP

Thank you for your question. You have summarised a lot of the issues and the complexity. One particular issue that has been raised with the committee, which ...

Patrick Harvie Green

Can I just tease out what you are saying a little bit? You say that you want people to be able to access the support that they need through the NHS without h...

Tom Arthur SNP

Of course I want to ensure that every individual who requires diagnosis and treatment through the NHS is able to access that. That is the founding principle ...

Patrick Harvie Green

Given the scale of the demand that you have described, can that be delivered? Or should the Government be looking to provide, for example, more sustainable f...

Tom Arthur SNP

The role of the third sector is hugely important. I know that the committee had an evidence session with many of the organisations that have worked and engag...

Patrick Harvie Green

Forgive me, but I am going to pick up again on the difference between those wider support services and diagnosis and treatment. Do you see a role for the thi...

Tom Arthur SNP

Yes, they play a—

Patrick Harvie Green

—in meeting the need for diagnosis and treatment, as opposed to wider support?