Concern over autism diagnosis service

Concerns have been raised about the future of a key autism diagnosis service in the Forth Valley.

The service has been withdrawn, with nearly 900 people on the waiting list.

Over 3500 people have now signed a petition calling for the service to be reinstated.

Falkirk MP Euan Stainbank says residents have contacted him - seeking clarity on the news:

"I fully understand how distressing this situation has been for many constituents awaiting an autism assessment. While NHS Forth Valley has assured me that this pause in service delivery will not lead to funding cuts, it is essential we receive absolute clarity about how these resources will now be better utilised to ensure improved access and efficiency.

 “I welcome NHS Forth Valley's commitment to involving service users directly in the redesign process. I encourage anyone impacted by these changes to reach out to my office if they would like me to raise their views or require further assistance.

 “I will remain closely involved in advocating for constituents who have raised concerns with me, ensuring residents receive the necessary answers and support. If you're impacted and require assistance, please contact my office directly at euan.stainbank.mp@parliament.uk or 01324 868 715."

A Clackmannanshire & Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership spokesperson says they're "committed" to finding the best way forward.

Joanna MacDonald, Interim Chief Officer, Clackmannanshire & Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Like similar services in other parts of the country, the Forth Valley Adult Autism Assessment Team (AAAT) has experienced very high levels of demand and increasing numbers of referrals which resulted in very long waits.

“The Team was run by two part-time clinical staff who both recently left, which meant that it was no longer possible to accept new referrals or see people who had already been referred.

“As the number of people referred to the AAAT was far greater than the small team was able to see, it was recognised that trying to recruit two part-time staff to run the service in the same way as before may not be the best or most effective use of the resources available. This decision is not a result of a budget cut but is driven by the need to ensure the most efficient use of resources in meeting the demand for services.

“However, we are committed to working with local people, GPs, and partner organisations over the next few months to identify the best way of providing services and support for people with Autism going forward.

“In the meantime, we have contacted people who had previously been referred to the AAAT to provide details of alternative sources of support and advice and to highlight that, under the Equality Act, they are entitled to access help and support at work or educational settings without a formal diagnosis of autism.”