(UK) Northamptonshire kids face delays in ASD diagnoses; 'little or no support' from professionals

Sept 24, 2018, Northampton Chronicle: Autistic children in Northamptonshire 'struggling' due to delays in diagnosis and help, watchdog report says https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/autistic-children-in-northamptonshire-struggling-due-to-delays-in-diagnosis-and-help-watchdog-report-says-1-8645951 Both the education and the emotional health of autistic Northamptonshire children is suffering due to delays in assesment…. The author of the report said: "We found that the process of seeking a diagnosis of, and help for, ASD [autistic spectrum disorder] and ADHD often takes so long and is so fragmented that children and their families are struggling. "There is often little or no support for the families to address the behavioural problems that lead them to seek professional help or diagnosis." … Other serious findings of the study were that some professionals involved in the assessment process were seemingly not suited to the role. The report said: "Some relevant professionals have limited understanding of ASD / ADHD and lack empathy for the child and their parents." …