Boy's family challenges HSE over assessment of needs process

This is understood to be the first such challenge to the controversial process, which has been the focus of criticism from  those working with young children

The young child at the centre of the application "has significant health and education needs" and his mother, together with several therapists, believe he has displayed several indicators for autism and may also have cerebral palsy. Picture: Stock

The family of a young boy has launched a legal challenge against the HSE's Standard Operating Procedure for Assessment of Need cases, in what is understood to be the first such challenge to the controversial process.

Judge Siobhán Stack granted leave to pursue judicial review of the HSE procedure, which was implemented in early 2020 and which has been the focus of fierce criticism from psychologists and others working with young children.