Assess for Autism
Assess for Autism
Latest: April 28, 2023
We did it!!
Assess for Autism has just heard some exciting news from the parent who made the legal challenge against Sirona CIC the ICB have reversed Sirona’s decision to change the assessment criteria for…
Read moreWe are Assess for Autism, a parent-carer-led campaign group deeply concerned about the recent changes made by the Integrated Care Board (ICB) of Bristol, North Somerset and South Glos regarding changes to the autism assessment criteria.
The new criteria is as follows:
- Children and young people whose education placement is breaking down despite appropriate support
- Children and young people whose family unit is at risk of breakdown despite support from appropriate agencies
- Children and young people in care or on a child protection plan for whom an assessment is needed
- Children and young people who are open to Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or children who are not open to CAMHS but are presenting with a serious risk to self or others
- Children and young people who are involved with youth offending services and/or are engaged in repeated offending behaviours.
- Children with very low levels of communication where the difficulties are likely to be associated with autism (usually Early Years)
This means there is now a very high threshold in order to access an autism assessment. Essentially, unless children are already in crisis or there is a risk of family breakdown, children will not be able to be assessed for autism. This is unfair and means fewer children will get the support they need.
As parents and carers of children with autism, we know firsthand the immense struggles families face in accessing the support their children need. The changes made by the ICB will only exacerbate these difficulties, leaving many vulnerable children and young people without the care and assistance they require.
That is why we are launching this campaign to raise funds to bring judicial review action against the Integrated Care Board. We need to hold them accountable for their actions and ensure that they provide fair and equal access to autism assessments for all who need them. As a parent-carer-led group, we are committed to fighting for the rights of our children and making sure that they receive the care and support they deserve.
We cannot do this alone. We need your help to make our voices heard and demand justice for our children. By donating to our campaign, you will be supporting our efforts to bring about change and make a real difference in the lives of families affected by autism.
We must act now to prevent the harmful changes made by the Integrated Care Board of Bristol, North Somerset and South Glos from spreading across the country. If we fail to take action, countless families in need of support will be affected. We cannot let this happen.
We are raising money so that we can get advice from a solicitor and barrister about the merits of challenging the new criteria and sending pre-action correspondence to the ICB
Every donation, no matter how small, will make a significant impact. We urge you to stand with us and show your support for this vital cause. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that all children and young people with autism receive the support they need.
Thank you for your support.
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Assess for Autism
April 28, 2023
We did it!!
Assess for Autism has just heard some exciting news from the parent who made the legal challenge against Sirona CIC the ICB have reversed Sirona’s decision to change the assessment criteria for autism in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire!
In an incredible U-turn: -
- the assessment criteria will revert to the status quo with immediate effect.
- all young people on the waiting list will now be triaged in accordance with the old criteria
- all referrals made since 1st March will now be reconsidered with the old criteria in mind.
Huge thanks to everyone for your support
Assess for Autism
April 14, 2023
Legal letter - Sent!!
We wanted to update you on the progress of the crowdfunding campaign. Thanks to your generous contributions, we were able to take the necessary steps to hold the ICB accountable for their actions.
We are pleased to inform you that the legal letter, which is known as a letter before action, has been sent to the ICB. This formal letter outlines our legal claim against the ICB and allows them to settle the matter if they so chose. You can view a redacted copy of the letter here.
While we hope that the ICB will take the necessary steps to resolve the issue, we are prepared and fully committed to pursuing legal action if necessary. We will keep you updated on any further developments.
Thank you again for your support and for joining us in our fight for justice, we couldn't have done it without you!
Assess for Autism
April 14, 2023
Legal letter - sent!
We wanted to update you on the progress of the crowdfunding campaign. Thanks to your generous contributions, we were able to take the necessary steps to hold the ICB accountable for their actions.
We are pleased to inform you that the legal letter, which is known as a letter before action, has been sent to the ICB. This formal letter outlines our legal claim against the ICB and allows them to settle the matter if they so chose. You can view a redacted copy of the letter here.
While we hope that the ICB will take the necessary steps to resolve the issue, we are prepared and fully committed to pursuing legal action if necessary. We will keep you updated on any further developments.
Thank you again for your support and for joining us in our fight for justice, we couldn't have done it without you!
Assess for Autism
April 10, 2023
We smashed it!
Thanks so much to everyone for their kind and generous donations!
We have smashed the stretched target with one day to spare.
Extra special thanks to SEND Advocacy Ltd for the final push that we needed. SEND Advocacy are a Bristol based company that help children with special educational needs and disabilities(SEND) secure the support they need to thrive to ensure the best chance of a bright future. ❤️❤️
We will issue an update in the next few days after we’ve spoken to the Legal team for next steps.
Thanks again to the community for the support and encouragement.
We couldn’t have done this without you and we will not stop until all children and young people have access to an autism assessment.
If your been affected by these changes please do get in touch!
Assess for Autism
March 24, 2023
We did it!
We are so grateful for all your support, with sharing our page and group and news stories and everyone who has been able to pledge on our crowdfunding page.
We have now hit our first £3000 target and are now trying to hit our stretch target of £5000! 🎉🎉
Please keep spreading the word and pledging if you are able. Our legal team is now able to start work.
Thank you everyone!
Assess for Autism
March 18, 2023
We are almost half way there!
Thank you to everyone who has generously donated to our Crown Justice fundraiser!
We're thrilled to report that we're almost halfway to our goal. We still have a ways to go, so please continue to share our posts and spread the word about our cause.
With your help, we hope to challenge the ICB's new restrictive referral criteria for autism as soon as possible!
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