Autism assessment waiting list project

It is not possible to give an exact waiting time as there are many things that influence this. 

We know people are waiting years, sometimes more than 3 years to have an assessment and we are sorry for the delay and distress this causes.  We understand that it can be difficult and frustrating to wait, and we can assure you that we are working together with all local health providers to address these waits and the increased demand for assessments in Devon.  

Please do look at the links provided that aim to support people while they are waiting. 

We are writing to everyone who has been on a waiting list for an autism assessment for more than 12 months.  

We know that people are waiting too long for an autism assessment. Many people waiting will have already seen a number of professionals. This project is reviewing everything that we already know, to help us to complete assessments as soon as possible. 

The project will allow us to identify any further information needed, including if further assessments are indicated.   

If further information or assessment is required you will be contacted to discuss next steps. 

A child will not be removed off the waiting list without this being communicated to you. 

A child will only be taken off the waiting list after their information has been reviewed and parents/carers have been contacted to discuss the outcome of the review and agree any next steps.   

Yes, please send it to us using the details below about how to send in additional information.  When we review your case, we will take this information into consideration. 

If your child has received a diagnosis through a right to choose provider and no longer requires an assessment, please let us know. 

We are writing to everyone who has been on a waiting list for an autism assessment for more than 12 months.  

The letter is being sent by your local health provider during December 2024 and January 2025, in the order in which children were added to the waiting list. Therefore, you are likely to receive your letter sooner if you have been waiting for longer.  The aim is that all families will have received their letter by the end of January 2025 at the latest. 

Resources for families living in Devon and Torbay can be found here Support while you wait: Autism resources – Children and Family Health Devon 

Information for families living in Plymouth can be found here  

If you live in Devon or Torbay please send reports, letters or assessments to: CFHD.NeuroProject@nhs.net 

We can only accept documents in certain formats and sizes, please see below for details. 

Alternatively you can post COPIES to: 

Neuro Project, CFHD, 1a Capital Court, Sowton, Exeter EX2 7FW.  

Please DO NOT send original documents as they cannot be returned 

Formats we are able to accept by email are:   

• Microsoft Word (.doc / .docx) PDF (.pdf) JPEG (.jpeg / .jpg) 

• Emails must not exceed 10 MB in total.  

• Each document being sent needs to be a separate attachment and should not exceed 3MB each 

• Multiple attachments of single pages cannot be accepted. 

If you live in Plymouth please send reports, letters or assessments to: 

plh-tr.ascpathway@nhs.net   

or post COPIES to:  

FAO ASC pathway team, The Child development Centre, Scott Business park, Beacon park, Plymouth PL2 2PQ.   

Please DO NOT send original documents as they cannot be returned 

The aim is that all families who have been waiting for longer than 12 months for an assessment will have received their letter by the end of January 2025 at the latest. 

If you have any further questions about this project or would like further information, please contact CFHD.NeuroProject@nhs.net