Concerns over lengthy diagnosis for kids with autism in Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester health services will start recording how long kids are waiting to be assessed for autism from this month.
It's after rising concerns that's it's taking children too long to get a diagnosis - meaning kids miss out on support and putting even more pressure on families.
More than 140 MPs wrote to the government last year complaining of huge waits for assessments across the country
Now- waiting times will have to be recorded in a similar way to the diagnosis of mental health conditions.
Dawn is a mum from Wigan. She waited 3 years for a diagnosis for her 14-year-old son.
“Well I’ve always noticed that he was different, his speech and even though he never shuts up now! It was delayed for three years and he’s never fitted in socially.
“Just waiting and waiting for the diagnosis, we just knew that we had to wait, but if it had been a little quicker, it would have been great.
“It’s a long process. We were only ever seen every six months at the clinic.
“If an adult’s six weeks process, can a children’s diagnosis not be quicker? Because it is a long time and pressure on the family.”
She said getting the diagnosis made a huge difference.
“We could get support in place, we’ve got support from other people.
“It’s just great knowing that there will always be support for us out there."