Autism Diagnosis Survey in the UK – During November 2013 Anna Kennedy Online carried out an online survey asking the thoughts and opinions of both individuals on the Autistic Spectrum and parents and carers who care for someone on the Autistic Spectrum.

The largest UK survey of its kind, 2000 people completed the Autism Diagnosis Survey.

One of the key factors expressed by parents on Anna Kennedy Online was the length of time in having to wait to gain a diagnosis with over half the respondents claiming that they had to wait over five years. This is particularly frustrating for parents who are usually the first ones to pick up the concerns. In 58% of cases it was the parents who first suspected  that their child may be on the autism spectrum due to their behaviour or development.

Anna Kennedy Online states that

“The process in place for diagnosing children and young adults is not fit for purpose and requires immediate improvement. Parents who manage to negotiate the energy sapping bureaucracy often find that the service provided is disconnected and in many cases is of unacceptable quality.”

Anna Kennedy makes it very clear that the Government need to start listening to parents as they are on the frontline, their concerns have been raised in the past but nothing seems to happen.

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To read the full Anna Kennedy Report Online click here