Autism assessment waiting times- information update

We understand how difficult it can be to wait for an autism assessment, and we want to reassure families that reducing waiting times is a priority. The information below outlines the actions we are taking across the system to increase capacity, work collaboratively with partners, and ensure children are assessed as quickly and fairly as possible.

We are doing everything possible to reduce waiting times for autism assessments. This includes working closely with other NHS trusts and, where appropriate, commissioning assessments from NHS approved private providers to increase capacity. Our approach prioritises children who have been waiting the longest and those who live closest to NHS services that are able to offer appointments more quickly. No child will ever be referred to a privately commissioned provider without the full knowledge and consent of their family.

We would also like to reassure you that if you do not receive a phone call or letter about your child being offered an assessment with a private provider or another NHS trust, this does not mean that your child will be waiting longer. In fact, as more children receive assessments across our partnership of organisations, this helps to reduce the overall waiting list and means that those remaining on the CFHD waiting list are likely to be seen more quickly. Our aim is to work collaboratively across the system to reduce waiting times and ensure that every child receives an assessment as soon as possible.

We have been working closely with Devon County Council to ensure a joined-up approach for families who have chosen to access a private autism assessment. Devon County Council (DCC) can confirm that children living within the DCC footprint who have already received a private autism diagnosis (or are about to) will not be required to undergo a second assessment with the NHS and the private diagnosis will be accepted for all school/SEND/EHCP related support and activity. We will be writing to families across Devon over the next few months to understand whether any children have already had a private diagnosis and, where this is the case, to offer appropriate signposting and recommendations. With family’s consent, we can also attach the private diagnostic report to the child’s NHS record to support ongoing care and planning. This is not yet in place for Torbay’s local authority footprint.

We appreciate your patience whilst we work to reduce the length of time families are waiting for an assessment and we want to assure you that we will offer your child an assessment as quickly as we can.

For more information, please visit our website, Autism assessment waiting times: FAQs – Children and Family Health Devon