New support for those waiting on autism diagnoses

A new initiative has been set up to support people waiting for an autism diagnosis.

An Oxford charity, which has now expanded nationwide, aims to provide extra help through an online hub.

The Owl Centre Charity has launched the new service, Waiting Well, after receiving £20,000 in National Lottery funding.

It hopes the hub will give individuals and families facing long waiting lists for neurodiversity assessments access to help prior to diagnosis.

It comes after reports of some adults being told they may have to wait up to 18 years to be assessed.

Jenny is one such patient and, having lived with anxiety and chronic stress for years, she said she "wanted to get to the bottom of it".

Her GP agreed to refer her, but warned the "waiting lists are quite long".

"I thought 'OK that's fine I can wait, I'm sure it's only a year or something'," Jenny said.

Jenny later received a letter which read: "Based on your referral we can see you between 17 and 19 years' time."

She said: "It was just bizarre, I didn't really know whether to laugh or cry - I think maybe I might have done both.

"It's something I'm constantly thinking about. It would just bring so much clarity, because I can do as much research as I can, but I'm not a professional and I'm never really going to know whether or not I have autism."

Jenny's case was raised in the House of Commons by her MP Layla Moran and the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire & West Berkshire Integrated Care Board previously said it was working to find a solution.

The charity said Waiting Well had been developed with help from neurodivergent individuals on an assessment waiting list.

Also involved were specialists researching the mental health of those on waiting lists, healthcare professionals and advocacy groups.

The online system provides resources to families and individuals, featuring free practical tools, advice and strategies.

Head of therapy at The Owl Centre, Nicola Lathey, said it was created to ensure "no one falls through the cracks".

She said: "We're at breaking point, with thousands of individuals up and down the country in an autism and ADHD diagnosis limbo - without hope, guidance or support.

"The only communication individuals receive is a letter confirming their place on the waiting list.

"The NHS does not offer specific support on how to manage these waiting lists, existing community resources are patchy at best. Those who are waiting, worry about being judged or misunderstood by healthcare professionals."

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