Children must wait for ‘crisis’ before autism diagnosis, say overwhelmed systems

New restrictions are being introduced for autism assessments, with some areas now only accepting referrals for patients in crisis, HSJ has learned.

Commissioners in North Yorkshire and York have become the latest to introduce new criteria for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder referrals.

Getting a diagnosis is key to unlocking care packages such as speech and language therapy, counselling, or special educational needs.

They said the changes are due to “unprecedented demand that has exceeded supply, resulting in unacceptable wait times and the need to prioritise resources towards children and most at-risk adults”.

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Source: HSJ, 30 March 2023