HWL Escalation Paper - Autism and Dyspraxia.

Since our inception in 2013 Healthwatch Lincolnshire has been aware of inequalities
in service provision for the people of Lincolnshire requiring assessment and diagnosis
for some conditions.

However at this current time we are experiencing an increase in concerns raised with us by families and professionals around the challenges and often distressing inability to access assessment and diagnosis of conditions within country specifically autism and dyspraxia.

We recognise that services are not always commissioned or available in county and that patients may need to travel. However in this instance feedback is that access is also not available out of county meaning that patients, families and professionals are not getting the best outcome. We are aware that CAMHS excludes the diagnosis/treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Tourettes Syndrome, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and other
neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood, but does not clarify what is the appropriate pathway.

Also we note that LCHS states that currently the Occupational Therapy Service is not
commissioned to see children who have a diagnosis of Developmental Co-Ordination
Disorder (DCD, also known as Dyspraxia) or to assess for this condition, but does
not clarify what is the appropriate pathway.

We are aware of the good work emerging around the services offered post
assessment and diagnosis, however the concerns within the escalation paper are
specific to the needs of families and patients needing assessment and diagnosis.

“Our GP has tried everywhere to refer the child but to no avail. Even tried out of county but they will not take ‘out of county’. How does a child get the diagnosis as it will help with the EHC plan and they cannot go forward with the EHC plan until the diagnosis has been given?”