Autistic young people and mental health services
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Healthwatch Northumberland undertook research on issues raised by parents and carers of autistic children and young people in Northumberland who use or have used NHS mental health or autism diagnosis services. 90 people responded to their survey.
Just under half of respondents stated the time it took to receive a diagnosis was too long. Much of the feedback provided was around the difficulties encountered with the process of the autism assessment. Respondents talked about communication issues, such as having limited information about what is happening or will be happening, about who is involved, and having to chase various agencies for updates.
Several parents mentioned a lack of follow up support after diagnosis and a feeling of being left to do their own research around autism or other conditions, how to manage it, and the support available.
Over a third of respondents had been given information on charitable or voluntary services which may be able to provide support. However, most respondents felt pessimistic about this, saying the support was unsuitable, or that charities should not replace NHS or clinical services.
The report contains recommendations which focus on issues of communication, training, access and care and suggest ways providers and commissioners can improve the experiences of autistic CYP and their parents/carers when seeking mental health support or a diagnosis of autism or other neurodivergent conditions. A draft copy of the report was shared with service providers and commissioners.