- Investment to help children and families access support
Children, young people and their families will benefit from £7.6
million funding to strengthen and expand local neurodevelopmental
support.
The Scottish Government funding, which will be distributed to
local councils, will mean more flexible support is provided to
children, young people and their families to get the help they
need, when they need it, informed by local circumstances.
It is part of wider work by the Scottish Government, local
authority body COSLA and partners to improve neurodevelopmental
support for young people across health, education, local
government and the third sector, as set out in the new Programme
for Government.
This includes the work of the Children and Young People's
Neurodevelopment Taskforce, alongside other action to improve
support and services.
Announcing the funding on a visit to Windygoul Primary School in
East Lothian, Minister for Mental Wellbeing said:
Demand for neurodevelopmental support has increased significantly
in recent years and I want families to access the help they need,
when they need it.
This £7.6 million investment will help local areas build on
existing services and further invest in the support that works
for their communities.
There is no single action that will solve all the challenges
people face in getting timely and consistent support. This
investment is just one part of the wider work to improve
neurodevelopmental support.
Through our continued partnership with local government, health
services and the third sector, we will ensure a more joined-up,
sustainable system of support for neurodivergent children, young
people and their families.
COSLA Spokesperson for Children and Young People, Councillor Tony
Buchanan said: Along with our wider partners, Local Government
has seen rising demand for support for children and young
people's neurodevelopmental needs both pre, post and regardless
of diagnosis.
We very much recognise the value of early, neuro-affirming
support for children, young people and their families in
preventing the negative impacts caused where children's needs are
not met and helping them achieve their full potential.
A whole system response is essential to support children and
young people with neurodevelopmental needs and their families .
We look forward to continuing to work with our cross sector
partners to deliver improved outcomes as this work
progresses.
Background
- The Children and Young People's Neurodevelopment Support Fund
provides £7.6 million in 2026-27 to support improved, new and
expanded neurodevelopmental support for children, young people
and families.
- The Scottish Government's National Neurodevelopmental
Specification sets out the standards for children's
services to follow when providing neurodevelopmental support.
Funding will be allocated to local authorities, who will
determine how best to use it in line with local needs and
supporting guidance issued by the Scottish Government. It will
support young people with neurodevelopmental support needs,
including those with a diagnosis, awaiting diagnosis, or who do
not require a diagnosis.
- Read the recently-published Programme for Government 2026
to 2031
- Neurodevelopmental conditions include autism and ADHD.
