I have been encouraged by my Child Health Nurse on behalf of my child to submit
my concerns about the 12 month waiting list my son was put on regarding his
speech / developmental delay. He is now being assessed for autism - early
intervention is key, and this very long wait has potentially put him at a
disadvantage. During the 12 months we had one phone-call where they noted that
his in-person assessment would realistically take place over a year after
referral, but advised the system is overwhelmed. I hope that in the future,
other children, particularly those who are more vulnerable or more in need of
supports and therapies, do not have to wait so long to seek in-person
assessments.