Why were medical staff questioned over Riley Townsend's death?

Staff were questioned regarding potential delays in assessing Riley Townsend for autism, which had been sought since 2021.

What mental health conditions did Riley Townsend have?

Riley Townsend was diagnosed with ADHD and an autism assessment had been sought since 2021.

Did a lack of autism diagnosis affect Riley Townsend's treatment?

The NHS Trust stated that Riley's treatment was not dependent on a diagnosis.

Home / Health / Boy's death: Questions over autism assessment delays

Boy's death: Questions over autism assessment delays

25 Nov, 2025

•

Summary

A 12-year-old boy died in September 2024 after years of mental health struggles.
An autism assessment had been sought since 2021 but was not completed.
Medical staff questioned over delays in the boy's assessments.

Boy's death: Questions over autism assessment delays

A 12-year-old boy named Riley Townsend, from Nottinghamshire, died by suicide on September 1, 2024, following several years of mental health challenges. His case has brought to light questions regarding the timeliness of medical assessments he received. Riley had been diagnosed with ADHD, but a crucial assessment for autism had been pending since 2021.

During an inquest, Nottinghamshire Assistant Coroner Amanda Bewley heard details surrounding the delays. The Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust acknowledged the complexity of Riley's case. However, they also noted that his treatment was not contingent upon receiving a formal autism diagnosis.

This situation raises significant concerns about mental health support for young people and the impact of delayed diagnoses on their well-being. The questioning of medical staff highlights a potential systemic issue in assessing and supporting children with complex needs.