People in Ireland face some of the longest wait times in Europe for ADHD and autism assessment. The latest news reveals that children wait an average of 18 months to get a diagnosis, with some waiting even longer. But why is it that Irish families are having to wait so long for neuroaffirmative diagnoses, which could lead to life-changing support?

The Problem with CAMHS Assessments

If you’re looking for an ADHD or autism assessment in Ireland, accessing this service is far from easy. Reports show that children, in particular, wait an average of a year and a half via the public route. There are many reasons getting a diagnosis takes so long, including:

Lack of Public Funding

The Assessment of Need (AON) process is a legal right under the Disability Act 2005. This should be delivered within no longer than six months. However, the combination of under-funding and under-resourcing of public services makes this impossible.

Surge in Referrals

Autism and ADHD referrals in Ireland are on the rise, as is the case globally. This surge puts strain on already limited services, meaning that professionals are struggling to keep up with growing demand. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) now receive more referrals than ever before, which adds extra pressure to the public service.

Inefficient Assessment Process

The current ADHD and autism assessment process in Ireland can be slower than people expect. The service you get can vary, depending where in the country you’re based. There’s often a lot of red tape associated with the initial steps of the referral. For some people, this can lead to even longer waiting times and further delays when it comes to getting an assessment.

The Danger of These Delays

These delays can be devastating for those they impact the most. Children may miss critical diagnosis windows, meaning they are unable to access life-changing support and treatment.

Since these young people will not have a formal ADHD or autism diagnosis, they are unable to ask for necessary accommodations from their school. During this time, their teachers may misunderstand their neurodiverse traits, believing instead that they are defiant behaviours.

ADHD and Autism Assessments in Ireland

If you’re looking for ADHD and Autism Assessments in Ireland, Autism Services Group is the right place to start. We offer a comprehensive, compassionate diagnostics service for both children and adults. Accessing the assessment service is an easy, three-step process:

Step 1: Choose your diagnostic package

The first step is deciding which package you or your child needs. We offer autism assessments, ADHD assessments, or the combined assessments across Ireland. Reserve your service and then fill out the initial questionnaire we share with you via email. If you’re not sure which you need, simply book a call with us and we will advise you.

Step 2: Complete your assessment

The next step is completing your ADHD or autism assessment. You can have a family member or friend with you if you feel more comfortable. Our team carries out a complete clinical evaluation using an evidence based approach. We will identify your traits to help you better understand yourself, and your diagnosis.

Step 3: Get your finalised report

You will have a call with our team to discuss your report before it’s finalised. This will give you the opportunity to ask any pressing questions and get the answers you deserve. After that, you will get an official diagnosis, which is recognised by both healthcare providers and employers.

Takeaway

Getting an autism or ADHD diagnosis in Ireland can be a lengthy process, with many spending months on public waiting lists. At Autism Services Group, we provide another route, which is faster, reliable, and recognised by professionals.