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Pause on Autism & ADHD Referrals Sparks Family Fears
14 Feb
Summary
- Referrals for autism and ADHD diagnoses paused for children.
- High demand is the reason cited by the health trust.
- Families worry about unidentified and unmet needs.
New referrals for autism and ADHD diagnoses for some children and young people have been paused due to "unprecedented high levels of demand," according to Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT). This measure, in place since February 2 in parts of the region, affects specific age groups for ADHD and autism assessments. The trust is working to minimize disruption and will be writing to affected families.
This unexpected change is causing significant worry for many families, as it could lead to a cohort of children whose needs remain unidentified and unmet for a prolonged period. The parent carer forum warned of the distress and uncertainty this decision creates for families. LSCFT stated that alternative pathways are being agreed upon, and a three-year program to redesign the neurodevelopmental pathway is underway to better support children based on their needs.
The specific areas and age groups affected by the referral pause are: ADHD referrals for ages 11-18 in Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire, and ages five-18 in Central and West Lancashire, Fylde Coast, Morecambe Bay, and South Cumbria. Autism referrals are paused for ages five-17 in Lancaster. The trust also noted it cannot see children on existing assessment waiting lists.
