Autism in kids, assessments times & help!

[TwinMumSonya]

We've been waiting 2 years for the assessment to be completed for our DD who's 10, the waiting times are ridiculous and in the meantime, she is struggling in school and the help and support just isn't there!

Anyone else like this?

I teamed up with a mum in Warwickshire (Jess Tomlinson - who's been waiting nearly 4 years for her eldest to be assessed) to start a campaign to demand shorter autism waiting times called #MonthsNotYears

Jess created a petition calling on government to create an emergency fund to deal with the massive waiting lists for autism & ADHD assessments for children AND adults. This would provide resources for local health services deal with current waiting lists and new patients.

We have nearly 5,000 signatures so far. But government won't even respond until we have 10,000.

If you're frustrated, despondent, fed up, emotional, upset, on-your-knees-waiting for your child be assessed then please, please, please can you sign our petition?

petition.parliament.uk/petitions/589677

Enough is enough! We all know that early diagnosis means our kids do better in school and their life outcomes are much better. The time is now - us mums are unstoppable when we get together so please, if you can sign and share, that would be amazing.

Our campaign is on facebook @MonthsNotYears if you want more information and you can hear my interview on Radio Sussex talking about why we're doing this. x

Is there any chance that you can put a proper link to the petition @TwinMumSonya? You might get a few more MNers signing.

Just wanted to add that if anyone is facing a long waiting time for assessment, take a look at Caudwell Children. They offer fully funded assessments for children aged 4 to 11.

The link to the petition is here:
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/589677

The Cauldwell Centre looks amazing. Such a shame that it's a postcode lottery as to whether you have a centre like that locally. This is one of the most frustrating things about trying to get a diagnosis for your child. There is no consistency in waiting times or quality of care and support.
Really pleased you have this in your area. We have nothing like this in ours.

I think the Caudwell Children's charity is National. It's fairly central in the country and quite close the the M6 so easily accessible. Don't know if parents have to pay for travel and accommodation though.

I know the sensory packs that they send out are supplied nationally.