Gloucestershire autism waits 'worst in the West'

Luke was diagnosed with autism through the NHS after a "lengthy" process

Parents say long wait times for NHS autism assessments in Gloucestershire are forcing them to go private.

Children with suspected autism are waiting, on average, 83 weeks for an assessment on the NHS in the county - the longest in the West.

And about 200 hundred children every month are being added to that list after being referred by their GP, according to the latest NHS data.

The NHS said it was "working hard" to reduce waiting lists.

Helen felt going privately for her daughters autism diagnosis was the only option.

Helen Lines' son Luke was diagnosed with autism via the NHS but she said it was a "long process".

So when it came to her daughter's diagnosis, she said she felt going privately was her only option.

"As a mum you want answers, and you want them quickly so you can support your children," she said.

"I just wasn't willing to wait again for that amount of time."

Helen's two children are part of Norton Mar all-inclusive rugby team, and train once a week with other autistic children.

The Owl Centre in Cheltenham assesses all ages from babies to people in their 70s.

The Owl Centre is a private assessment centre in Cheltenham.

Owner Nicola Lathey said it has been "inundated" parents who want a much quicker diagnosis.

"Its hugely anxiety inducing to sit on a waiting list for a long time."

She adds, "80 to 90 per cent of those who come here are found to be autistic."

In a statement, NHS Gloucestershire said: “The service is working hard to reduce waiting times by managing referrals to offer a fair service across age ranges and by increasing staffing levels to improve capacity for assessments.”

GPs in Gloucestershire are referring 200 children every month for assessments.

GPs say they are frustrated its taking so long for their patients to be assessed and feel there should be more support while they are waiting.

Dr Rachel Rutter, who has been a GP for more than 18 years, is based at May Lane Surgery in Dursley.

She said: "Unfortunately the systems are set up in a way where you often need a diagnosis to get the support you need.

"But they may not need a diagnosis at the end of two years on a waiting list if they have had adequate support in that time to manage the difficulties they face".