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”.
Read more: Parents brand new Bristol autism referral rules "discriminatory"
It says the approach was more in line with services elsewhere and that youngsters do not require a diagnosis to have their needs met. However, the policy has since reverted to the original, Sirona has confirmed.
A post on the campaign fundraising page on Friday (April 28) read: "Assess for Autism has just heard some exciting news from the parent who made the legal challenge against Sirona CIC the ICB have reversed Sirona’s decision to change the assessment criteria for autism in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire!
"In an incredible U-turn the assessment criteria will revert to the status quo with immediate effect, all young people on the waiting list will now be triaged in accordance with the old criteria [and] all referrals made since 1st March will now be reconsidered with the old criteria in mind."
The update was confirmed by Bristol mayor Marvin Rees, who tweeted: "Welcome news from @SironaCIC, who have reinstated their previous criteria for autism assessments across @BNSSG_ICB after discussions last month.
"Over coming days, they will be further updating their website and writing to families referred since 1 March."
Under the unpopular six-point criteria, which came into force on March 1, children would only be referred if they have “severe and enduring” mental health issues, such as being a high risk to themselves or others, are involved with youth offending, have very low levels of communication, are in care or on a child protection plan, or if their education or family is breaking down.
However, Sirona confirmed that this is no longer the case. In a lengthy statement on its website, it said there have been several developments since March 1: concerns raised by parents, partners and local politicians; publication of the National Framework for Autism Assessment Services; a ‘Letter before Action’ on behalf of a group of concerned parent/carers; and an agreement of £1m funding for the "continuation of a waiting list initiative for autism assessments".
Its statement continued: "We have recognised the strength of the anxiety that the changes brought and, in the context of these and the subsequent developments, we are now planning to immediately re-start accepting referrals as per the previous criteria although we will continue to triage referrals based on clinical need and vulnerability as we have always done.
"The intention remains to ensure that children with the most clinical need and vulnerability have access to timely clinical support whilst also ensuring those other children do have access to services as soon as possible."
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