Frustration is being expressed about long waiting times for autism assessments in Clare.
An Ennis father says his four-year-old son has been waiting an assessment for over 18 months.
The HSE is legally required to begin autism assessments within 3 months and complete those assessments within 6 months.
However, as of this time last year, the average wait time was 19 months.
Ennis man Kieran O Loughlin’s son Jack will be five at the end of this month and underwent a preliminary assessment when he was 2.
He was then forwarded on for full assessment, with his family now waiting over a year and a half for that to take place.
Kieran says it’s frustrating and believes his son is being left without the support he needs.
There are also increasing issues with adults being able to access autism assessments in this county and elsewhere.
There are no public assessment teams dedicated to adults in Ireland, with the vast majority having to avail of private care.
Ennis-based Joan McDonald of the Posuative Consulting Agency says life is a struggle for those who have autism and remain undiagnosed.
