Families of children with autism face 'unprecedented barriers' in securing assessments and diagnosis

Private practices are now overwhelmed as parents seek autism assessments and diagnoses privately due to long wait times in the HSE.

A clinical psychologist who has had to close off her waiting lists for autism assessments has said the HSE's procedure for dealing with autism cases led to a surge toward private practices, which are now overwhelmed.

It came as Adam Harris, CEO of Ireland's national autism charity AsIAm, said families are facing "unprecedented barriers" in securing a timely assessment and autism diagnosis, which he said was critical for them to vindicate their rights, including in the education system.