Boosting neurodevelopmental support for children

9 Sep 2026 02:49 PM

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 Maree Todd 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.