Children across Dorset waiting over 13 weeks for autism review
There's been almost a 20% increase in children across the South West waiting longer than 13 weeks for their first autism appointment
720 children across the South West have waited over 13 weeks for their first autism appointment, according to new NHS data.
These delays are said to be placing ‘immense strain’ on both children’s and parents’ mental health and well-being.
Rachel Filmer, a mother of autistic twins from Bournemouth, told us: “Some of families I've spoken to have been waiting so long that they just can't take it anymore.
“Many children have significant behavioural and medical needs so parents often have no life outside of caring and if their child isn't at school, they have no respite from caring either.
“This is an unbearable situation for families and there isn’t really anywhere for them to turn.”
Campaigners in Bournemouth now call for healthcare services, schools and policymakers work together to streamline processes, increase resources, and prioritise children's developmental needs.
Rachel said: “The 20-week deadline is not a target; it is the law. So, when that figure isn’t at 100%, it means that children are still being failed by the system.
"When an assessment isn’t done on time it means a parent can't appeal the contents of that plan which is a massive concern for parents and families."
Earlier this year, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council told us that children are no longer experiencing “significant delays” for their initial assessment.
But the BCP Alliance for Children & Schools claim new assessments are being prioritised over parents that have been waiting months.
Rachel said: “On paper, things are being done in a timelier way, but not in a complete way.
“Plans are being issued on time more often, but many of them just name a type of school rather than a specific school.”