On behalf of the National Autism Implementation Team (NAIT) based at Queen Margaret University:
Dear parents and carers,
We are inviting parents and carers of neurodivergent children and young people in Scotland to take part in a new survey.
We want to hear from families whose child or young person is experiencing anxiety‑related absence from a Scottish local authority mainstream school.
Your experiences matter. By understanding these, we hope to find better ways to support young people in the future.
Who can take part?
You can complete this survey if ALL of these apply to you:
- You are resident in Scotland.
- You are a parent or carer of a neurodivergent child or young person (for example, autistic or with ADHD or FASD). This can be based on a formal diagnosis or self-identification.
- Your child or young person has experienced frequent absences from school or other barriers to attending school regularly.
- Your child or young person is currently enrolled in a Scottish local authority mainstream school.
About the survey
- The survey takes about 30–50 minutes to complete. It is a fairly long survey but the feedback we have had is that parents and carers have a lot to say and that this issue has such as a big impact, their preference was to include all of the questions.
- Most questions ask you to choose from a list. Some invite you to type your own answers.
- You can save your progress at any time and come back later.
- Your answers will only be submitted once you click “submit” at the end.
- The survey closes at the end of June 2026.
This survey is about your experience. Everyone’s story is different. There are no right or wrong answers.
We use the word “anxiety” in a broad sense. You and your child may describe their experience differently, for example, feeling worried, overwhelmed, stressed, burnt out, or something else.
If you have any difficulties accessing or completing the survey, please email us at nait-ara@qmu.ac.uk and we will be happy to help.
Thank you very much for considering taking part. Your voice is important.
The Scottish ADHD Coalition brings together voluntary organisations providing support to adults and children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and their parents, carers and families. You can sign up to our mailing list here, read our FAQs, or find your nearest support group.