Rod Stewart Pays for Autism Diagnosis for Child Waiting Three Years

Rod Stewart has offered to pay for a private autism diagnosis for four-year-old Iain Gregori after the non-verbal child spent three years on a waiting list, drawing attention to long waits for diagnoses in Scotland. The boy's father expressed frustration at the delays, saying his son was 'lost in the system,' and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar highlighted the case in parliament, criticizing the government for forcing families to rely on the charity of celebrities. First Minister John Swinney responded by emphasizing that official diagnoses are not required to access support and outlined government efforts to expand mental health and neurodiversity services. Stewart’s intervention has reignited debate over the adequacy of public health provisions for children with autism and ADHD in Scotland. This case has been widely reported as an example of both the positive impact of high-profile philanthropy and the systemic issues within the healthcare system. The ongoing discussion underscores the need for improved access to timely diagnoses and support for families.