THE scandal of children waiting several years for an autism diagnosis is at the forefront of a new campaign.

The National Autistic Society is demanding long delays for young people are urgently addressed, saying the current situation amounts to a "crisis" in the system.

On average, the wait for children in getting an autism spectrum diagnosis is three-and-a-half years, while adults receive a diagnosis five years after their concerns first emerge and two years after seeking professional help.

However, in Cumbria there have been many cases of children waiting much longer.

Beth Burton, of Suffolk Street, Barrow, waited nine years for a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome for her son Michael, after tests first identified him as having autistic "traits" at the age of six.

The shocking case lead the NAS to question whether every professional in the county had the expertise to identify the disorder.

Ms Burton got in touch with the Evening Mail on the back of our Healthy Young Minds campaign, which aims to secure a fairer funding model for child and adolescent mental health services.

A spokesman for the National Autistic Society said: "For the first time ever the NHS will start measuring the number of people diagnosed with autism in every area of England.

"This is incredibly significant - but we want them to do more and set a three month maximum waiting time.

"We also want the government to instruct NHS England to reduce waiting times over the next year.

"Getting an autism diagnosis helps people take control of their lives, unlocking barriers to essential support and services. It often explaining years of feeling different."

Delaying diagnosis and the subsequent lack of treatment often results in the development of mental health problems among children, including depression.

The NAS campaign, which is using #WhyTheWait across social media platforms, is demanding the NHS makes diagnosing autism a priority among specialists.

Almost 12,000 campaigners have signed an open letter to health secretary Jeremy Hunt on the subject.

For more information about the Evening Mail's Healthy Young Minds campaign and to sign the petition, visit www.nwemail.co.uk/hym

Osborne: Mental health neglected


George Osborne CHANCELLOR George Osborne announced an additional £600m for mental health services in the Autumn Statement and Spending Review on Wednesday (25/11).

He said: "There is one part of our NHS that has been neglected for too long – and that’s mental health.

"By 2020 significantly more people will have access to talking therapies, perinatal mental health services, and crisis care."

The investment follows lobbying from several campaigners who crticised widespread failings and poor services in the sector.

As part of the government's plans to address the issue, the Department of Health is investing £600,000 to allow Time to Change, a programme run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, to deliver a social media campaign to raise awareness amongst teenagers of mental health, and improve training in schools.

The government has also commissioned the first survey to look at young people’s mental health since 2004.

Around 10,000 people aged from two to 19 and their families will be interviewed, and the results will be used to shape future policy.