Schools must be given adequate support to help deal with the expected influx of youngsters being diagnosed with ADHD and autism in the coming years.
That was the message this week from Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education Natasha Asghar MS as it was revealed between 41,000 and 61,000 people could be waiting for an assessment by March 2027.
Natasha, who also represents South Wales East in the Welsh Parliament, quizzed First Minister Eluned Morgan MS over this issue recently.
She stressed how important it is that students receive a timely diagnosis and called on the Welsh Government to outline what support it will be providing to Welsh schools to help them cope in light of the warning that the number of people waiting for an ADHD or autism assessment is expected to triple in the coming years.
First Minister Eluned Morgan MS responded by acknowledging waiting times for children’s neurological assessments are too long and said that’s why the government had spent £3m to help speed things up.
Speaking outside the chamber, Natasha Asghar MS said:
“Without a doubt there is a growing demand for assessments, but waiting times are simply far too long with a real crisis developing.
“Receiving a diagnosis is key in unlocking extra support for pupils, which in turn improves educational outcomes for our youngsters, but as it stands many students are being left in limbo.
“I have been told of some students who have already left school long before they even get their diagnosis. This is simply unacceptable.
“With numbers expected to triple in the coming years, it’s vital the Welsh Government gets to grips with this issue as our children’s futures depend on it.”
