Pupils face three-year wait for autism diagnosis

A review of SEND services in Darlington said there were "inconsistent" experiences

Children in a borough are waiting up to three and a half years to be diagnosed for autism and ADHD, as well as accessing therapy, an inspection has found.

The findings come from a review of special education needs and disability (SEND) services in Darlington by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

It found Darlington Borough Council and the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), which are responsible for planning and commissioning the services, had improved SEND provision since a previous report in 2022.

Levi Buckley, chief delivery officer for the ICB, said he was pleased progress had been recognised and acknowledged the work needed to "develop the diagnostic service offer".

The review found there were "inconsistent experiences and outcomes for children and young people" across the SEND services in Darlington, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Health officials have been told to create a strategic action plan in response to the inspection.

'Frustrating process'

There was a lack of a defined process to assess and support those with a learning disability, according to the report, meaning it was difficult for families and professionals to navigate what support was available.

Some also experienced delays in the delivery of some health services, including trying to access home equipment.

"These delays and complicated service specifications can be frustrating for families to navigate," the report said.

The review, which was carried out in November, found the partnership's leaders worked closely to improve provision.

It added children and young people in care who had SEND were successfully prepared for adulthood.

Labour's Nick Wallis, cabinet member for children and young people, said the report showed services had continued to improve.

He added: "This is thanks to the hardworking and committed staff working across the partnership and the local children and families who we listen to and work with to develop services and plans."