This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Autism assessment delay concerns
Children in certain parts of Wales are waiting an average of two years for an autism assessment despite a target of six months, new figures have revealed.
Research by BBC Wales’ Wales Live programme has revealed staffing issues have also impacted on waiting times.
The Welsh government said the roll-out of a national integrated autism plan was continuing.
A spokesman said there were also plans to issue statutory guidance to councils and health boards requiring them to plan and deliver effective autism services.
The Welsh government has set a target of 26 weeks from referral to diagnosis - but a freedom of information request to local health boards revealed the average wait is 107 weeks and six days in the Hywel Dda area. It takes an average of 39 weeks in parts of the Betsi Cadwaladr area.
A Welsh government spokesperson said: “We are rolling out a new all age National Integrated Autism Service which will address gaps in current provision and will align with the Together for Children and Young People neurodevelopmental work stream.
"The service is now open in Cardiff and Vale, Gwent, Powys and will open shortly in Cwm Taf. The remaining regions will open during 2018.
“We will underpin these commitments by issuing statutory guidance - subject to the outcome of a consultation - on autism this assembly term which will re-enforce the requirements placed on local authorities and health boards to plan and deliver effective autism services.”
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