My daughter, like many other children, masks her suspected autism during the school day. Despite her getting on with her work and performing well at school,  she struggles with hidden challenges that often go unnoticed. These challenges manifest themselves at home in the form of meltdowns and an inability to function after a long day of masking her condition. 

For Tilly her main issues are sensory related. Every car that goes past too fast can make her freeze with fear, the sound of a flush of a toilet or hand dryers being used. The ring of a school bell, any crowded or busy place. Things that as a 6 year old she should find pleasure in - like birthday parties and soft play can just be too overwhelming for her and she can’t always cope. And that is just scratching the surface and just a few things she struggles with every day. Then to regulate herself she may ‘explode’ as we call it where her mind and body go into a sort of panic mode where she’s not really present and can thrash about uncontrollably and all you can do is comfort her and make sure she is safe. Or she can be distressed for hours on end as she can’t put into words why or how it is that she feels like this, but she just knows she doesn’t feel ok. Again those are just a few of the things we see as her parents that are truly heart breaking to see.

We have educated ourselves as much as we possibly can as her parents to help with coping strategies for her, and if getting a referral quicker and making it more accessible for parents to help there children access the support they need- then surely that’s better for everyone ? Better for the parents, the children, the NHS. As if left without any extra support, you are looking at adding possible mental health issues as a layer to these already struggling children’s lives. 

Autism is a spectrum disorder. It ranges from visible and notable challenges to almost being a hidden disability. However, current procedures require school referrals for an autism assessment which often overlooks those who can mask their symptoms effectively within a classroom setting.

We believe that General Practitioners (GPs), who are trusted healthcare providers, should be able to refer children under 18 for an autism assessment based on parental concerns without needing a school referral. This would ensure early detection and intervention which is crucial as it can significantly improve quality of life.

This change would not only validate parental concerns but also take into account that Autism is indeed a spectrum - where symptoms may not always be overtly visible or disruptive but are nonetheless challenging for the child experiencing them.

We urge health authorities and policymakers to amend this procedure so GPs can refer children under 18 directly for an autism assessment based on issues raised by parents without judgement or need of school referral. And at the same time to review the structure of the whole process as our children are suffering. Please sign this petition if you support this much-needed change.