Autism assessments are being denied to all but the most at-risk children in the south-west of England.
That’s the view of the parent campaign group Assess for Autism.
Campaigner Fiona Castle, who is fighting moves to deny autism assessments to all but the most at-risk children
The group says the integrated care board (ICB) of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire has raised the threshold so high for an assessment that children are missing out on support.
Autism assessments ‘reserved’
Assessments are now reserved for children on the verge of losing their school place, or where there is a risk of family breakdown, or they are in care or on a child protection plan.
Also taking priority are children being treated by child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), those presenting a risk to themselves or others, those involved in youth offending and others with very poor communication skills.
Legal challenge
Assess for Autism has set up a CrowdJustice page to fund a legal challenge to the new criteria.
The group has now raised almost £4,000 to help fund a judicial review by lawyers Rook Irwin Sweeney. It has set a target of £5,000 for the fundraising effort.
‘Heartless and irrational decision’
Fiona Castle is a member of Assess for Autism. She has an 11-year-old son with the condition who received a diagnosis at the age of four.
She said denying access to autism assessments sets children up for “unnecessary trauma and is a heartless and irrational policy decision”.
The ICB must be “accountable” and show it offers “fair and equal access” to autism assessments, say the campaigners.
The parents’ group says it has made a commitment to fighting for children’s rights and “making sure that they receive the care and support they deserve”.
‘Dramatic increase in demand’
A spokesperson for the ICB said a “dramatic increase in demand” means it must “prioritise access for children whose needs are greatest”.
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- New test heralds early autism diagnosis
- Delays in diagnosis deny new therapy
- Huge increase in diagnosis in N Ireland
Published: 28 March 2023
