News
September 14, 2025
Mum told health board is too skint to fund child's autism assessment after three year wait
Charmaine Lacock’s daughter Sarah has been on a listing waiting with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) since 2022.
**Mum told health board is too skint to fund child's autism assessment after three year wait**
A Glasgow mother has been left heartbroken after being told that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) cannot currently fund her daughter’s autism assessment due to budget constraints. Charmaine Lacock’s daughter, Sarah, has been on a waiting list for the assessment since 2022, a period of three long years for the family.
Lacock expressed her frustration and despair, highlighting the impact the delay is having on Sarah’s development and well-being. While she suspected her daughter might be on the autism spectrum, getting an official diagnosis is crucial for accessing appropriate support and resources. These supports could range from specialized educational assistance in school to therapeutic interventions designed to help Sarah navigate social situations and manage any sensory sensitivities.
The lengthy wait has already put a strain on the family. Without a diagnosis, Sarah isn't eligible for the specialized help that could significantly improve her quality of life. Lacock feels she is in a constant battle to advocate for her daughter's needs, navigating a complex system without the backing of a formal diagnosis.
The revelation that funding is now the barrier, after such a prolonged wait, has added insult to injury. Lacock feels let down by the NHS, stating that it's unacceptable for a child's access to essential healthcare to be determined by financial limitations. She fears that the longer Sarah goes without support, the more challenging it will be for her to reach her full potential.
NHSGGC has acknowledged the significant pressures on their services and the challenges they face in meeting the growing demand for autism assessments. They stated that they are committed to providing the best possible care within the resources available, but have not provided a specific timeline for when Sarah's assessment might be possible.
This case highlights the wider issue of lengthy waiting lists for autism assessments across the UK, with families often facing years of uncertainty and struggling to access the support their children desperately need. It also raises concerns about the impact of budget cuts on essential healthcare services and the potential consequences for vulnerable children and their families. Lacock is now considering exploring alternative options, including private assessments, but is worried about the financial burden this would place on her family. She is determined to find a way to get Sarah the diagnosis and support she deserves, regardless of the obstacles in her path.
A Glasgow mother has been left heartbroken after being told that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) cannot currently fund her daughter’s autism assessment due to budget constraints. Charmaine Lacock’s daughter, Sarah, has been on a waiting list for the assessment since 2022, a period of three long years for the family.
Lacock expressed her frustration and despair, highlighting the impact the delay is having on Sarah’s development and well-being. While she suspected her daughter might be on the autism spectrum, getting an official diagnosis is crucial for accessing appropriate support and resources. These supports could range from specialized educational assistance in school to therapeutic interventions designed to help Sarah navigate social situations and manage any sensory sensitivities.
The lengthy wait has already put a strain on the family. Without a diagnosis, Sarah isn't eligible for the specialized help that could significantly improve her quality of life. Lacock feels she is in a constant battle to advocate for her daughter's needs, navigating a complex system without the backing of a formal diagnosis.
The revelation that funding is now the barrier, after such a prolonged wait, has added insult to injury. Lacock feels let down by the NHS, stating that it's unacceptable for a child's access to essential healthcare to be determined by financial limitations. She fears that the longer Sarah goes without support, the more challenging it will be for her to reach her full potential.
NHSGGC has acknowledged the significant pressures on their services and the challenges they face in meeting the growing demand for autism assessments. They stated that they are committed to providing the best possible care within the resources available, but have not provided a specific timeline for when Sarah's assessment might be possible.
This case highlights the wider issue of lengthy waiting lists for autism assessments across the UK, with families often facing years of uncertainty and struggling to access the support their children desperately need. It also raises concerns about the impact of budget cuts on essential healthcare services and the potential consequences for vulnerable children and their families. Lacock is now considering exploring alternative options, including private assessments, but is worried about the financial burden this would place on her family. She is determined to find a way to get Sarah the diagnosis and support she deserves, regardless of the obstacles in her path.
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