HSC said the assessments for children had to be thorough and robust as it was "potentially giving a lifelong diagnosis"Children could wait up to 18 months for an autism referral in Guernsey, government figures have shown.The figures, revealed in response to a, show the wait for ADHD referrals is about four months for children and adults.
Maryke Hauptfleisch, from Autism Guernsey, said an early diagnosis of autism for children could "pave the way for an early intervention", while teens and adults often "seek a diagnosis for validation". Clinical Psychologist Dr Arthur Pearce, who has founded a private firm to provide diagnosis, said research suggested delays in diagnosis had been proven to have negative impacts on mental health, wellbeing and quality of life.