Better access to diagnosis and support in Cheshire East for children with autistic or neuro-developmental conditions

We, the undersigned, would like to express our concern and disappointment that children and young people living in Cheshire East are having to wait years to access services that could diagnose their autistic spectrum or other neurodevelopmental condition. There are currently 3 routes to diagnosis across Cheshire East, leading to confusion and inequalities in accessing support. We think that this is unacceptable and action should be taken by service commissioners to rectify this as a matter of urgency. Access to the ongoing support of paediatricians is also needed by children with all disabilities as they are the gatekeepers to other specialist therapy services. Diagnosis is just the beginning of a lifetime of living with a disability. We object to children being discharged after diagnosis and receiving no follow up for the duration of their childhood.