Waiting for your assessment

Due to delays in service delivery created during the Covid 19 pandemic you will experience a significantly increased waiting time for your child’s Autism assessment. We apologise for the delay but we want to reassure you that we are doing all that we can to reduce the waiting time as quickly as we can.

Unfortunately we are unable to indicate how long your child will be waiting but we can say that it will be longer than 12 months.  You will receive a letter saying your child’s name has been placed on the waiting list once your child’s referral has been accepted . We see all the children off the list in strict referral date order so no child will be put above your child’s name on the waiting list.

It would really help us if you do not telephone the service to ask about waiting times as our admin team will not be able to give you any further information.

Whilst you are waiting it is very important that you let us know if you change your address or if you change your GP by telephoning the admin team on 0121 722 8010. We cannot see children who do not have a Solihull GP. If your child’s name comes to the top of our list and you no longer have a Solihull GP we will not be able to see your child. Your new GP will need to refer you to the Autism diagnostic service linked to that  GP practice.

What happens whilst the child is waiting?

A child does not need a medical diagnosis in order to gain support from any service or from education and services should support a child whilst they are on the assessment waiting list.

Resources and information which may be helpful while your child is awaiting their assessment can be found here.

Parents telephone calls about the waiting times

Many parents telephone to ask if their child can be seen sooner or when will their child be seen. We cannot indicate when a child will be seen as the assessments of children ahead of a child on a waiting list may take longer than expected. Administrators, not clinicians will therefore not be able to answer questions.

My child has waited longer than the time said in my acceptance letter?

During the year the waiting time does vary. This variation may be because we have had a number of very complex children to assess and their assessment has taken much longer than we expected. In addition, if the team does not have the full complement of staff then this can affect the waiting time too. We will try and keep you informed by letter where possible.

What will happen at the assessment?