Waits of up to four years for an autism diagnosis in Northern Ireland are a “complete travesty”.
That’s the view of Kerry Boyd, chief executive of charity Autism NI.
Kerry Boyd, chief of Autism NI, is working to change the law to ensure better services for autistic children and adults
Boyd spoke out after new official figures revealed that almost 4,500 children in Northern Ireland are waiting for an autism diagnosis.
Waiting list has doubled
Reports suggest the numbers waiting have doubled from 2,325 in 2016.
Boyd said the numbers waiting are “completely unacceptable” and the process needs a “complete overhaul”.
While some children wait two years, adults face delays that are twice as long.
Immediate support only if you pay
Families know early intervention can be crucial in autism. Many therefore resort to paying up to £1,400 for a private diagnosis, said Boyd.
With a private diagnosis families receive immediate support, while those on NHS waiting lists get left behind.
Boyd said she is working to toughen the law, as promises made in the now 10-year-old Autism Act have not been kept.
She is working with Pam Cameron, who represents South Antrim in Northern Ireland’s Legislative Assembly.
They want to introduce a private member’s bill that would create a new independent body. The new organisation would scrutinise the province’s autism strategy and bring about the improved services the Autism Act was designed to create.
Interim strategy
Northern Ireland health minister Robin Swann has recently laid out an interim autism strategy. It focuses on key improvements in services and support, including early intervention.
A spokesperson for the province’s Department of Health said it is “in discussion” with colleagues in health and social care. He said the aim was to “identify factors” contributing to delays in assessments and the action taken to address them.
Related:
- Self-harm crisis of delays in diagnosis
- Discrimination in restricting diagnosis
- Test reveals anxiety as second diagnosis
- New test heralds early autism diagnosis
- Delays in diagnosis deny new therapy
- Huge increase in diagnosis in N Ireland
Published: 24 May 2021
