A healthcare provider has reversed a new policy affecting children with autism, after backlash from outraged parents. The controversial change effectively meant children needed to be in “crisis” before they could be referred for an autism diagnosis in the Bristol region.
In March Sirona introduced the strict new criteria detailing eligibility for its service, after seeing a 350 per cent increase in young people waiting for an assessment over the past two years. But parents and carers warned the move, which came “without warning”, was “monstrous” and would “cost lives”.
They launched a campaign group called Assess for Autism along with a crowdfunding appeal to challenge the decision in court, raising thousands. At the time Sirona and the Integrated Care Board (ICB), which formally approved the new policy, insisted it was necessary because families are waiting too long as it is for an initial assessment and that resources can now be focused on those with the “highest clinical need or are the most vulnerable”.
