Support available for Barnsley families waiting for autism assessments

Families in Barnsley waiting for a child or young person's autism assessment are being reminded that they do not have to wait for a diagnosis before accessing support.

Barnsley Hospital's Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment Team provides the borough's commissioned NHS autism assessment service for children and young people under the age of 18.

Demand for assessments has put significant pressure on local services, with Barnsley Council approving a £500,000 investment earlier this year to increase assessment capacity.

The additional funding was approved to help expand the service and provide extra specialist assessment capacity through Barnsley Hospital, with particular attention being given to children and young people approaching important stages in their education.

While an assessment is pending, families can access a range of services through Barnsley's Family Hubs and Local Offer.

Support can include help through Early Help, advice for parents and carers, groups for families of children and young people with additional needs and information about other local services.

Barnsley Hospital says families should not have to wait for an autism assessment to be completed before accessing help.

Parents or carers who are concerned about their child's development or social communication can speak to their health visitor, school nurse, GP or their child's school or nursery.