2025 Jun 9, 14:32
In a concerning development, individuals facing a long wait for a diagnosis of suspected autism are experiencing heightened anxiety and poor mental health without any support, according to new research. Astonishingly, three in five people on the waiting list have not been assessed even after a year, despite the target set at 13 weeks. In fact, only one in 11 individuals are seen within the desired timeframe. One person who can testify to the frustrations of the waiting list is Aimee Drescher, who sought a diagnosis in London 18 months ago
Aimee recounts her experiences, highlighting her struggles with understanding her friends' thought processes, maintaining eye contact, and being labeled as "weird" due to her obsessions with specific topics. After taking a test to enter the waiting list, Aimee received no further communication and was informed that the wait would be between 18 and 24 months. As a result, Aimee took it upon herself to read about autism and found solace in discovering passages that resonated deeply with her own unspoken thoughts and emotions. While Aimee has been fortunate enough to pay for her own therapist, a survey conducted by Brain in Hand revealed that 70% of people with autism have received absolutely no support, despite 93% confirming that their mental health has taken a toll on their lives
Only 6% felt that the assistance they received met their needs. Dr. Louise Morpeth, the CEO of Brain in Hand, estimates that there are around 1.5 million people with autism in the UK, warning of the potential consequences they may face, such as a higher risk of suicide and decreased chances of employment. Dr
Morpeth believes that this is an underrecognized public health crisis that can be addressed and prevented. She also emphasizes the economic benefits of providing support for autistic individuals, including the possibility of integrating them into the workforce. The current NHS waiting list figures are concerning, with nearly 158,000 patients awaiting a diagnosis for suspected autism, and 85% of them exceeding the 13-week target. The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges the importance of timely diagnoses and has allocated £4.2m to improve services for autistic children and young people
The NHS Long Term Plan also aims to enhance mental health services, with a commitment of at least £2.3bn annually by March 2024. The statement from the department further emphasizes the importance of following the clinical guidelines on autism published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.