Almost 200 waited for assessment forautism in WHSCT

Almost 200 people with autism - including 132 children - were waiting for diagnostic assessments in the Western Trust at the end of the Summer, the local authority has stated.
By Kevin Mullan
Published 16th Nov 2014, 09:25 BST
Altnagelvin Hospital.Altnagelvin Hospital.
Altnagelvin Hospital.

According to information released in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request a total of 132 children were diagnosed with autism in the Western Trust area between September 2013 and August 2014.

On top of this a total of 450 referrals for diagnosis for children were received in the Western Trust during the same period.

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Meanwhile, twelve adults also completed the assessment process during that time and have been informed of a positive diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Within the last calendar year 55 referrals were received by the adult ASD service.

By the end of August there were a total of 132 children waiting for a diagnostic assessment and there were 52 individuals waiting for a diagnostic assessment on the adult autism diagnostic service waiting list.

A total of 74 children, who were seen for diagnostic assessment by August 2014, were placed on a ‘watchful wait,’ the Trust confirmed.

Related topics:Western Trustsummer