The NHS is struggling to cope with the number of people awaiting tests for and diagnoses of autism. Children and adults all over the UK are being told that they will have to wait for extraordinary amounts of time before they will be assessed and subsequently be able to access crucial therapies and treatments. Here we look at some of their stories.
Caroline's Experience
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| Sensory Hug® by Medigarments Ltd |
Caroline, who comes from Pembrokeshire in Wales, approached her GP back in December of 2021. She believed that her daughter Lotus, who was then six years of age, required a diagnostic assessment for neurodivergence. Lotus's behaviour became very challenging when her regular routines were disrupted and she also displayed a marked under-sensitivity to pain. Caroline's GP agreed that Lotus should be placed on the waiting list for a diagnostic assessment. More than three years later, she is still waiting.
Freedom of Information requests applied for by the BBC to Welsh health boards found dramatic increases in children's autism assessment referrals, which are directly affecting waiting times. One of these health boards (for Hywel Dda) reported that 2,391 such referrals had been made in 2024, a 12-fold increase on 2019's figure of just 194 children.
The problem of waiting times is even more pronounced in other areas. Some people living in the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and West Berkshire districts have been told that they may have to wait a staggering 18 years before being seen by the NHS for an assessment.
Jenny's Experience
A 34-year-old woman named Jenny said that she didn't know whether she should laugh or cry after finding out that she would have to wait at least 16 years before an appointment could be found for her. Jenny's MP, Layla Moran, raised Jenny's case in the House of Commons; the news was met with 'audible gasps' by other MPs in the chamber.
While waiting for an official diagnosis, many people are simply looking for ways to manage their autism. There are many of these, with each individual having to discover what works for them. Many autistic people, particularly those who experience sensory-seeking behaviours and overactivity, can benefit from wearing SDO® dynamic compression garments.
Dynamic Lycra® and autism
SDO® Sensory Dynamic Orthosis™ garments from our SDO® Original and SDO® Lite collections, along with the unique Sensory Hug® from Medigarments Ltd, are designed to provide consistent, calculated pressure where it's needed most.
The sensory and proprioceptive feedback the garments provide has been repeatedly proven to reduce overactivity, anxiety, restlessness and other negative patterns of sensory-seeking behaviour. These marked decreases directly result in corresponding increases in things like attentiveness, concentration, body awareness, stability, independence, calmness, coping ability and general functioning.
You can find out more about The World of SDO® on our website. If you need expert advice, our dedicated clinical team will be more than happy to provide it. Please subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram for regular updates
SDO® Original, SDO® Lite and Sensory Hug® are part of The World of SDO® Sensory Dynamic Orthosis™ range of dynamic Lycra® compression garments by Medigarments Ltd. SDO® and Sensory Dynamic Orthosis™ are trademarks of Medigarments Ltd.
