Feb 9, 2024, Education Exec: NEWS: Long waits for autism support
As reported by ITVX, a new report reveals thousands of autistic children face lengthy waits for health and education assistance, prompting calls for a more needs-led approach
Parents are instead being left to navigate a complex support system which is made worse by processing delays and waiting as the number of children accessing autism services hits at a record high.
The report by the Child of the North initiative led by the N8 research partnership and the Centre for Young Lives think tank has now called for a ‘needs-led’ approach instead of relying on a ‘diagnosis-led’ system.
This, it says, will lead to early identification becoming the norm, and faster effective support offered without relying on a diagnosis….
Early identification and support can also mitigate the negative and costly effects on autistic children’s physical health.The report highlights how since Covid-19 there has been a 306% increase in the number of children waiting for an autism assessment.
Just one in 10 children are receiving an appointment within 13 weeks of being referred, while more than one in four parents have waited more than three years to receive support for their child.
The report’s analysis reveals a system under unsustainable pressure.
In September 2023, there was a 27% rise in new autism referrals over the last year.
In July 2022, more than 125,000 people were waiting for an autism assessment by mental health services, an increase of 34% since the previous October.
By July 2023, this number had risen to more than 143,000.
Figures published in September 2023, show there were 157,809 patients with an open referral for suspected autism
93% of children did not receive an appointment within 13 weeks of being referred….
Given the long waiting lists, many autistic children are not receiving the support they need because they do not have a formal diagnosis.
“The number of autistic children seeking support is at a record high and the number waiting for an assessment has rocketed since Covid,” said Anne Longfield, Executive Chair of the Centre for Young Lives.
“The evidence shows the need to move to a system of support that responds to the needs of autistic children, rather than waiting for diagnosis before any help appears.
“Without urgent reform, we cannot hope to improve the life chances of the next generation.”
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