What is ABC Scotland?
ABC Scotland, or Assessment Before Crisis, campaigns for children to receive neurodevelopmental assessment before risk escalates into crisis.
Scottish Parliament Petition PE2230
Children should not have to reach crisis before they receive an assessment.
ABC Scotland is campaigning for timely neurodevelopmental assessments for children displaying significant risk behaviours, so families can access support earlier.
Now under consideration: PE2230 asks the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to set a national six-month maximum waiting time for neurodevelopmental assessments where significant behavioural, emotional, or safety concerns have been raised.
Why ABC exists
Assessment before crisis is a simple standard with life-changing consequences.
Families across Scotland are trying to manage serious situations while referrals are delayed, rejected, or bounced between services. ABC Scotland is here to make the issue visible, gather public support, and push for earlier assessment and intervention.
The campaign is led by Stephanie McDowell, founder of ABC Scotland, and supported by parents, carers, professionals, and allies who believe children deserve help before risk becomes crisis.
ABC Scotland is a Scotland-wide public campaign, not a clinic or physical advice office. Families should use local health, education, and emergency routes when they need direct support.
Take action
Support PE2230
Petition PE2230 calls for a guaranteed neurodevelopmental assessment within six months for children displaying significant behaviours or emotions which raise concerns, including safety-related concerns.
Open the petitionYour experience matters
Share what happened when you asked for help.
ABC Scotland is gathering stories from families affected by delayed or refused assessment. Your experience can help show decision-makers what the current system feels like in real homes, schools, and communities.
- What support did you ask for?
- How long did you wait?
- What changed for your child or family while you waited?
Useful resources
Parent support, advice, and charities that can help families now.
These organisations offer advice, advocacy, practical information, workshops, or peer support for parents and carers navigating neurodivergence, ASN rights, education, and assessment routes in Scotland.
Scottish Autism
Get Set 4 Autism
Parent and carer support for autistic children and young people aged 5-18, pre or post assessment.
Mindroom
Support for neurodivergent families
Advice and outreach for parents, carers, children, and young people up to age 25.
Kindred
Advice and advocacy for parents
Information on CAMHS, education, benefits, social work, self-directed support, and family rights.
Enquire
Scottish ASL Advice Service
Advice and information for parents, carers, schools, and professionals.
Campaign facts
Clear answers for supporters, families, and decision-makers.
What does PE2230 ask for?
Petition PE2230 asks for a national six-month maximum waiting time for eligible neurodevelopmental assessments where significant concerns have been raised.
Who is behind the campaign?
ABC Scotland was founded by Stephanie McDowell and is supported by parents, carers, professionals, and allies across Scotland.
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