Funded autism assessments now available for Nottinghamshire children stuck on waiting lists

Caudwell Children has announced that it has received funding to provide multi-disciplinary autism assessments, diagnostic feedback and 12 months of post-diagnostic support to eligible children from across the UK.

The children’s charity, which launched an innovative new autism service in 2019 to help reduce NHS waiting times, has a dedicated clinical team delivering child-centred autism assessments at its purpose-built centre based on the campus of Keele University in Staffordshire.

Latest Department of Health and Social Care figures show that only one in seven people across the UK with suspected autism receives any care contact within the target of 13 weeks of referral.

Caudwell Children’s fully-funded assessments will offer an alternative to families whose children are stuck on waiting lists – helping them to get the support they need.

Trudi Beswick, Caudwell Children’s chief executive, said: “Waiting times for autism assessments are all too often unacceptably long, with parents regularly waiting 18 months or more for a diagnosis.

“We launched the Caudwell Children autism service to support our stretched statutory services and reduce waiting times to evidence that there is a quicker, more efficient and effective way to support families through this important process.

“Thanks to funding from several donors over the last six months we are now delighted to be able to offer our assessment, diagnosis and support service to new referrals at zero cost for a limited time and we welcome referrals from families in Nottinghamshire ”

Assessments at Caudwell Children are available for children aged between four and 11 years old and require a referral from a health professional, teacher or social care worker.

Following assessment, children diagnosed as autistic will also receive 12 months of post-diagnostic support.

Funding is available for new referrals from families with a household income of £45,000 per year or less, not including benefits.

Caudwell Children’s Autism Service is regulated by the Care Quality Commission.

The service received a glowing review and ‘Good’ rating following its first inspection and has continued to support children and families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

To find out if Caudwell Children could help you, click here or call 0845 3001348.