from 1st March 2023, Sirona announced they are changing the criteria for referrals to their children's autism assessment service. The new criteria will mean children need to be 'in crisis' before a referral is accepted, risking an estimated 60% of referrals being rejected. This risks deepening class, gender and race inequalities in accessing an autism assessment, potentially amounting to discrimination. 

Whilst having a confirmed diagnosis of autism doesn't necessarily abate the challenges of being autistic in a neuronormative world, a diagnosis can improve options of support for an individual. Late or missed autism diagnosis is associated with poor mental health, misdiagnosis, and death by suicide.

Sirona is a community interest company commissioned by the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) integrated care board (ICB) to provide support for patients across the area. Local campaigners have raised questions about the legality of this policy which involves withholding healthcare and potential resulting in drastic consequences. 

Sirona state "over the coming months we will undertake a system-wide review of services". Demonstrating the experimental nature of this referral criteria, which appears in contradiction of NICE guidelines. Additionally there does not appear to have been any meaningful involvement with autistic people, their families and other relevant stakeholders. 

Given autistic children become autistic adults, this short-sighted policy change is likely to impact on adult autism assessment services and deepens the postcode lottery of support for autistic people in the UK. 

Please sign this petition to highlight concerns about this harmful, discriminatory and potentially unlawful referral criteria.