‘Children put at risk’ as NHS autism assessments are cut back

Health service managers in south-west England say new restrictions are needed because of a huge rise in waiting lists

NHS managers in south-west England have imposed new rules that could deny autism assessments to thousands of children in a move that parents say “puts children at genuine risk”.

At the start of this month, NHS commissioners in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire announced new referral criteria for children’s autism assessments, effective immediately with no notice or consultation.