290% Surge in Children Awaiting First Autism Assessment in North East
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
The latest Autism Statistics report revealed a 290.41% increase – the biggest in England.
In 2020, 730 children faced long waits, by 2024 this number shot up to 2,850.
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Hide Ad| Region | Patients 0-17 Waiting >13 weeks (2020) | Patients 0-17 Waiting >13 weeks (2024) | % Change |
| North East | 730 | 2,850 | 290.41% |
| West Midlands | 2,335 | 4,950 | 111.99% |
| North West | 1,020 | 1,955 | 91.66% |
| South West | 615 | 720 | 17.07% |
| London | 810 | 946 | 16.79% |
| East of England | 1,890 | 2,065 | 9.25% |
| East Midlands | 1,315 | 1,300 | -1.14% |
| South East | 2,505 | 1,955 | -21.95% |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 1,245 | 625 | -49.79% |
Laura Free from Althea Soft who analysed the data, commented, “These delays not only hinder intervention but also place immense strain on children’s mental health and well-being.”
“It is imperative that healthcare systems, educational institutions, and policymakers work together to streamline processes, increase resources, and prioritise children's mental health and developmental needs.
“Many children are already experiencing increased anxiety and social isolation and without proper care and monitoring it will become harder to provide the care that these children desperately need and deserve.”
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