Unprecedented demand for autism diagnoses

Available for over a year

Hear why it's harder than ever for thousands of adults and children in Herefordshire & Worcestershire to receive an autism or ADHD diagnosis, taking up to two years at the moment for a neurodiversity assessment. Our reporter James Pearson has been investigating how these diagnoses can take a negative label away, and offer support, help and even medication. Herefordshire and Worcestershire's NHS says it's experiencing "unprecedented demand", that's putting "unsustainable pressure" on community paediatrics. We did ask to speak to Herefordshire & Worcestershire Health & Care Trust about these waiting times. They told us that currently, children presenting with lower clinical risk, such as a requirement for an Autism or ADHD assessment, may have to wait up to two years. They also said children with the greatest need would be offered an appointment within two to eight weeks, and said they were committed to reducing waiting times for all children by increasing local capacity. On autism specifically, they say the longest wait for diagnosis on the Umbrella Pathway is currently two and a half years, and are not aware of any child waiting longer, and encourage families with concerns to contact them.