News

Autism support should not require formal diagnosis, says Longfield’s new think tank

2 mins read Education Health
Support for conditions including autism and ADHD should be offered on a “needs-led” basis rather than forcing families to wait for a formal diagnosis, according to a think tank led by former children’s commissioner for England Anne Longfield.
The report is the first to be led by Anne Longfield's Centre for Young Lives. Picture: Commission on Young Lives
The report is the first to be led by Anne Longfield's Centre for Young Lives. Picture: Commission on Young Lives

The report, published by the Child of the North initiative - led by the N8 Research Partnership of Northern universities and Longfield’s Centre for Young Lives - reveals a “crisis” in children’s autism assessment, warning that thousands of autistic children and young people are waiting months - or even years - for health and education support.

It describes how “most parents are being left to navigate a complex support system for their autistic child that is hampered by processing delays and waiting lists”.

It highlights how since Covid-19 there has been a 306 per cent increase in the number of children waiting for an autism assessment, adding that just one in 10 children are receiving an appointment within 13 weeks of being referred, while more than one in four parents have waited more than three years to receive support for their child.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here


More like this

Trainee Social Worker

London (Central), London (Greater)

Head of Growth, Development and Outreach (Maternity Cover)

Home based, with regular travel across the UK for work