SDLP says delays for assessments for ADHD diagnosis must be addressed
The SDLP’s Colin McGrath MLA and Downpatrick Councillor Conor Galbraith have said that ADHD(Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) assessments are taking unnecessarily long to complete and this issue must be addressed.
Commenting, the South Down MLA has said: “Too often in my office we are hearing awful stories of parents who are trying to get their children’s ADHD diagnosis completed, and the waiting list for this is simply too long.
“Many are having to consider whether or not to seek a private diagnosis but do not have the funds to do so, and this is compounded by an additional issue that some private diagnoses are not recognised here.
“This is a major problem which we need to see addressed urgently.”
Downpatrick SDLP Councillor Conor Galbraith said: “Over the last ten years we have seen the increased need for ADHD services.
“In the last four years in the South Eastern HSC Trust alone, there have been almost 750 referrals every year for these services.
“When you compare the 250 annual referrals 10 years ago, it sets the issue in quite a context.
“However, we are also in a position where waiting times are now around 3 years for a diagnosis.
“This is simply too long, and our children are suffering as a result of it.”
Colin McGrath added: ““Both Conor and I will continue to work on behalf of those constituents who contact us about this and I will be raising the matter with the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA, and the Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald MLA as soon as possible.
“While we need these services to be commissioned, we need to know that the money is there to do so. It’s time to deliver on these issues.”
Down News spoke to one parent with a child who is showing the pronounced symptoms of a chiuld who may have ADHD who is already diagnosed with having autism.
The mother said: “My son can’t get a diagnosis until he is six years old. He is therefore missing out of any possible therapy that can be offered and proper medication.
“If he were a normal child his diagnosis for a different condition would be much quicker. This is quite worrying as he could in theory get through most of his early school years undiagnosed. Surely more could be done to help him by the health system.”
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