Autism assessment changes may harm children and lengthen wait lists, advocacy groups say

Advocacy groups warn new HSE autism assessments could harm children and lengthen wait times. The planned three-tiered protocol, set to begin mid-2027, faces criticism from Neurodiversity Ireland, ADHD Ireland, and AsIAm, who fear it deviates from thorough assessments. The College of Psychiatrists also expressed significant concerns, stating they "could not endorse" the HSE's new protocol, which aims to reduce current 27-month waiting lists for statutory assessments.