Anyone else struggling with autism diagnosis waiting times for their kid?

[TwinMumSonya]

We've been waiting 2 years for the assessment to be completed, the waiting times are ridiculous and in the meantime, my daughter 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

Hi, though this may not help we were recommended this website, just as support and understanding of women's experiences + current research. They also have support groups.

aspiringtobeu.com

We diagnosed our daughter privately as it became too much to wait, the uncertainty was too much and unfortunately women are still not recognised in the same way (anxiety, depression, EDs) so diagnosis is harder. Thanks for the petition also, you are so right more needs to be done for diagnosis its unbelievable. Hope this helps.

I understand your frustration my child is 6 excluded 3 times 1 to 1 support and still no further for a diagnosis I don't no what has to happen for us to get the help we need for our children x

Conspiracyornotr Sadly a diagnosis doesn't always result in increased help as many are diagnosed then discharged. Support in schools should be based on a child's needs, not diagnosis. Does DS have an EHCP? What are school doing to support him?