Change of criteria for autism assessment in SW

[DaisyDreaming]

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/mar/26/children-put-at-risk-as-nhs-autism-assessments-are-cut-back

Does anyone know what the 6 things are as it only mentions 3? I’m sure other areas will follow. I hope they don’t

I have heard about this. It is appalling and think there are plans to challenge the policy.

The 6 criteria are:

• Children and young people whose education placement is breaking down despite appropriate support (including those who are NEET – not in education, employment, or training – and those at risk of permanent exclusion, transfer, or long period of school refusal). This may include children and young people who need an Autism diagnosis to access the required specialist provision.
• Children and young people whose family unit is at risk of breakdown despite support from appropriate agencies (parents/carer and social care are unable to meet the children and young person’s needs, leading to risk of child protection proceedings and/or child needing alternative placement). This can also include children whose adoption is at risk of breaking down.
• Children and young people in care or on a child protection plan for whom an assessment is needed (e.g., to inform placement planning).
• Children and young people who are open to Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) with severe and enduring mental health difficulties (i.e., high risk to self or others) where an autism diagnostic assessment is required to support their formulation and care. Or children who are not open to CAMHS but are presenting with a serious risk to self or others (e.g., risk of exploitation, significant self-harm, dangerous levels of aggression towards others).
• Children and young people who are involved with youth offending services and/or are engaged in repeated offending behaviours.
• Children with very low levels of communication where the difficulties are likely to be associated with autism (usually Early Years)

Thank you, it’s just awful. Barely anyone will be able to access them then as I feared. As if it wasn’t hard enough already.

The frightening thing is that a lot of children will qualify even under those criteria.

I know. I've been asking for help for 13 years before I was taken seriously and DD got a referral.

At the point they were referred and diagnosed neither of my 2 diagnosed with ASD would have been eligible under these criteria. Not even DS3 who has an EHCP with a significant amount of support and therapies in it. Although he would have in the years that followed. DS2 who a referral has been made for wouldn’t qualify either.

Omg! This is awful. My DS is on the pathway and his panel meeting isn't too far away thankfully. He is is likely to end up with various diagnosises BUT if this criteria was in play where we are he wouldn't even be able to access an already difficult system.
This makes me so sad that so many kids and adults are being failed

How many would have done with early diagnosis and access to help?

Oh, it is short sighted as all hell.