Family waits years for autism diagnosis after referral accepted in March
A mother from Trafford waited five and a half years to secure an official autism diagnosis for her 14-year-old daughter.
Initial concerns and referral process
Rosalyn, a medical professional from Greater Manchester, noticed socialising and sensory issues in her youngest child around age eight. The school agreed to collect information for a referral that took about 18 months to prepare. Trafford Autism and Social Communication Pathway eventually accepted the referral two years later on 27 March 2023.
Growing wait times and delays
After acceptance, the family faced a waiting list that grew from 12 months to 24 months over time. Rosalyn reported emailing officials every few months to check on her daughter's status during this period. The delay caused significant distress as the child struggled with issues she did not face before.
Impact on family mental health
The prolonged uncertainty affected the young girl, whose mental health reportedly deteriorated while waiting for a decision. Rosalyn has three other children who already hold official autism diagnoses within the same family. The situation highlights the intense frustration experienced by families navigating the local diagnostic pathway.
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