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For several years, neurodivergent people have had to wait too long for clinical assessments and diagnoses, [1] preventing them and their loved ones from the invaluable benefits that come from self-awareness and a better understanding of their unique view of the world.
Since 2007 Caudwell Children has recognised the incremental growth in demand for children’s Autism Assessments and support, which has now increased to critical levels.
In response to the growing demand, Caudwell Children developed an innovative children’s autism pathway that provides efficient, comprehensive multidisciplinary assessments, diagnosis, and immediate post-diagnostic support.
Launched in 2020 and currently delivered from the purpose-built Caudwell International Children’s Centre in Staffordshire, it is our ambition to evidence this unique model and, therefore, provide alternative solutions to the NHS and other providers.
Already working with several NHS trusts to alleviate waiting lists and provide additional services, we believe an alternative service model could help end the increasingly unmanageable demand on CAMHS and Autism Assessment services [2], delivering improved outcomes for millions of neurodivergent people.
Through improved assessment and support pathways across the UK, combined with increased public awareness and understanding of neurodiversity [3], we believe that future generations of autistic and neurodivergent people will not be subjected to the trauma and stigma sadly frequently associated with the condition today.
Caudwell Children is committed to supporting autistic and disabled children to remove the barriers they face, helping to change lives and change society.
[1] Autism waiting time statistics – NHS England Digital. (2024, March 14). NHS England Digital. Retrieved April 4, 2024, from https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/autism-statistics
[2] Foster, B. A. (2024, April 3). NHS cannot meet autism or ADHD demand, report says. BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-68725973
[3] The national strategy for autistic children, young people and adults: 2021 to 2026. (2022, September 22). GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-strategy-for-autistic-children-young-people-and-adults-2021-to-2026/the-national-strategy-for-autistic-children-young-people-and-adults-2021-to-2026