MPs urge action on lengthy wait for autism diagnosis

Cross-party group asks Jeremy Hunt to impose uniform standards to ease the burden on parents

Parents of children with suspected autism are having to wait at least 44 months for diagnoses, prompting a cross-party group of more than 140 MPs to write to the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, demanding urgent action.

The startling new figures, revealed in response to a freedom of information request, relate to children under the age of five who need a specialist autism assessment after being referred by a GP or other health professional.

Related: Autism diagnosis is only the first step | Sally Bercow

It’s so important for Thomas to get the help now. He’s never going to catch up if not

Continue reading... October 15, 2017 at 04:34AM