Health

State should fund private assessments for autistic children - report

There are around 20,000 children on HSE waiting lists for autism assessments, while private assessments can cost up to €2,000

There is vacancy rate of 34 per cent on HSE’s teams for people with disabilities, which is contributing to the long waiting list for autism assessments and supports. Picture: Getty

Families of autistic children should be given state funding for private sector assessments to avoid long HSE waiting lists, according to a new committee report.

The special Oireachtas committee on autism held hearings with groups representing autistic people, health sector organisations and policy makers since it was set up last year.

There are around 20,000 children on HSE waiting lists for autism assessments. Many have to pay up to €2,000 to have an assessment carried ...