Children being harmed by long delays for autism assessments

72% OF CITY SCHOOL PUPILS ARE WAITING MORE THAN 18 MONTHS

- By JOE LOCKER Local democracy reporter

DELAYS to autism and ADHD assessments at Nottingham schools are “significantly affecting pupil wellbeing and learning”, the city council says.

The delays are manifesting as worsening anxiety symptoms among children and young people, as well as behavioural challenges and impacts on academic engagement.

According to Nottingham City Council, schools reported that 28 per cent of pupils had to wait between 12 to 18 months for an assessment, while 72 per cent of pupils waited more than 18 months.

Schools in the city say waiting times have increased over the last three years, after the authority went to 36 schools across the city to ask about the impact of waiting times for assessments.

The delays have frustrated parents and delayed access to funding and resources to help children.