Published Date: Sep 16th, 2025
Fife Council alongside NHS Fife has rolled out a transformative Neurodevelopmental Assessment Pathway marking a major shift in how children and young people with neurodevelopmental needs across Fife are supported, councillors at the Education Scrutiny Committee heard today.
The pathway, which launched in August 2024 following a successful three-year pilot in West Fife, is designed to ensure that support is based on individual needs rather than diagnosis.
This innovative approach replaces the previous fragmented system of separate pathways for Autism, ADHD, and Learning Disabilities. Instead, it offers a joined-up, multi-agency model that brings together education, health, and social care professionals to provide timely, targeted support to children, families, and schools.
The Neurodevelopmental Pathway focuses on early identification, contextual assessment, and practical support. It moves away from the traditional reliance on diagnosis and instead prioritises the wellbeing and lived experience of the child or young person.
Key features include:
- Requests for Assistance (RfAs) replacing referrals, allowing for a broader and more flexible support offer
- Weekly triage meetings involving health and education professionals to determine appropriate next steps
- Training for over 500 professionals across education, health, and social work
- Dedicated helplines for parents/carers and professionals (which received nearly 1,500 calls in the first year).
From August 2024 to June 2025, the pathway received 1,656 Requests for Assistance, with 49% routed for diagnostic assessment, 31% for shortened diagnostic meetings, and 20% offered direct support without diagnosis. Primary schools submitted 61% of RfAs, with peaks in P3 and P7; secondary schools accounted for 30%, particularly in S1 and S2.
Families can access support while waiting to be assessed, thanks to the helpline and early intervention strategies.
Councillor Kathleen Leslie, Convener of the Education Scrutiny Committee, commented: “This represents a significant step forward in how we support neurodivergent children and young people in Fife.
“We know that there's a lot more work to do in bringing down the length of time it takes to reach a diagnosis. However, by focusing on what a child needs rather than waiting for a diagnosis, we’re removing barriers and making sure practical help and support is available when it’s needed most. The collaborative work between our education and health teams has been exceptional, and the early results speak for themselves. This is about putting children and families first.”
The pathway is overseen by a Strategic Governance Oversight Group, including representatives from Fife Council, NHS Fife, and Autism Scotland. Fife Council has committed £100,000 annually to support the initiative, including funding for a newly appointed Neurodevelopmental Pathway Coordinator who manages triage meetings, data analysis, and communications.
Plans for the next phase include:
- A full evaluation of year one data in partnership with NHS Fife
- A multi-agency research project to gather feedback from families and young people
- Continued professional development and support for school staff
- Improvements to data sharing protocols between education and health services
The pathway is also aligned with the Scottish Government’s National Neurodevelopmental Specification, ensuring consistency with national standards and principles of care.
Full committee report: Education Scrutiny Committee (16th September 2025) | Fife Council
