CFHD working with private providers to reduce autism assessment waits

Children and Family Health Devon (CFHD), continues to take action to reduce waiting times for autism assessments for children and young people, working closely with partner organisations across Devon to increase capacity and improve access to timely assessments.

Families are being reassured that reducing waiting times remains a priority. This includes working collaboratively with other NHS trusts and, where appropriate, commissioning assessments from NHS-approved private providers to help ensure more children can be seen sooner.

Children and Family Health Devon have also been working closely with Devon County Council to ensure a joined-up approach for families who choose to access a private autism assessment. Devon County Council has confirmed that children living within the Devon County Council footprint who have already received, or are about to receive, a private autism diagnosis will not be required to undergo a second NHS assessment. Private diagnoses will be accepted for school, SEND and EHCP-related support and activity.

Over the coming months, families across Devon will be contacted to understand whether any children have already received a private diagnosis. Where this is the case, appropriate signposting and recommendations will be offered. With family consent, private diagnostic reports can also be added to a child’s NHS record to support ongoing care and planning. This arrangement is not yet in place for families living within Torbay’s local authority area.

Holly Billington, Interim Deputy Director at Children and Family Health Devon, said:

“We know how challenging it can be for families to wait for an autism assessment, and I want to reassure parents and carers that we are doing everything we can to reduce waiting times. By working closely with our NHS partners, local authorities and private providers, we are increasing capacity across the system while ensuring that families are fully informed and involved at every stage. Our focus remains on making sure every child receives the assessment and support they need as quickly as possible.”

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