New Autism Assessment Protocol Announced Amidst Growing Backlash Over Long Waiting Lists

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has unveiled details of a new «autism assessment and intervention pathway protocol» designed to expedite the process for children accessing disability services. This initiative aims to address a persistently long and expanding waiting list, which currently stands at 21,782 children. These children are legally entitled to an assessment of need, which places them on a service pathway, but many face years of delay before receiving a diagnosis.

The new protocol seeks to streamline the assessment process and reduce the significant backlog. However, its implementation has already generated considerable debate and a growing backlash from various stakeholders. Social affairs correspondent Kitty Holland is investigating the specifics of the new protocol, including who will conduct the assessments, and the concerns raised by those who dispute the Minister's assertion that it represents «a significant step forward in how we support autistic people.»

This report, presented by Bernice Harrison and produced by Andrew McNair and Suzanne Brennan, delves into the intricacies of the new plan and the reasons behind the opposition it faces, despite its stated goal of shortening waiting lists for vital disability services.