With the increase in diagnosis of neurodivergence, we recognise as a department how important it is that people experience and interact in different ways, and for the autistic family going through a separation, the factors to take into account can be more varied and requires a greater level of understanding.

With client care at the forefront for every one of our clients, our Family Team have received training from Autism Anglia to assist them when assisting the autistic family. Senior Associate, MaryCarmel Wilson, has dedicated time to additional training, and regularly updates the team on ways to improve client care for the autistic client, and what factors to take into consideration for the autistic children, ex-partner or spouse, or where the client is awaiting the outcome of a diagnosis. MaryCarmel has both a professional and personal interest in this area.

MaryCarmel recently prepared a podcast which focuses on autism and family law which can be found here.

One issue which individuals are facing across the country (both adults and children) is the increase in waiting times for an assessment. Sadly, in Suffolk and North East Essex this wait time has significantly increased.

  • 4,130 patients currently waiting for assessment in Suffolk and North East Essex – up from 2,310 last year*
  • 87% (3,605) have waited more than 13 weeks
  • Only 2% of long-wait patients received appointments in September

The bigger picture: The local crisis reflects a national trend, with NHS England reporting*:

  • 204,876 patients waiting across England
  • 27% rise from last year
  • 43-week median waiting time for first appointment
  • 161% increase in referrals over the past four years

National Autistic Society: “An autism assessment can be the first step to really understanding people’s needs,” says Tim Nicholls, assistant director of policy at the National Autistic Society. “Waiting for months or years for an assessment leaves people struggling without the right support, increasingly stressed and anxious. It pushes some people to a mental health crisis.”*

This delay can impact on the mental health of the individual and as the parent waiting for their child to be assessed. The assessment process can be key for self-understanding and also accessing services to support the autistic individual. This can be particularly challenging when a couple are separating as this process can add to an already difficult time. This is particularly relevant when one parent is in doubt that their child requires an assessment.

MaryCarmel recalls that “The whole process for us from the initial referral to diagnosis was a long wait. We felt confident in what the outcome would be but receiving the diagnosis was still difficult, but it opened the door for support and services both for us all. It has also helped us all as a family to understand autism. The process itself can be a grieving process, and also one of healing.”

As Christmas approaches, this can be a very difficult time for families raising an autistic child with changes to routine and a sensory overload which can last for weeks over the festive period. MaryCarmel recently met with Maggie Clearly of STRM support who has advised that parents can obtain a free copy of an excellent resource to help navigate the period of waiting for a diagnosis and thereafter. The book Supporting your Autistic Child can be ordered here:

Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child – Hard Copy Request Form Survey

Neurodiversity | Essex Family Forum

Self-Help and Resources – STRM Support

If you are a family who has an autistic family member and require specialist support during a relationship breakdown, please contact one of the Family Team for a free exploratory conversation.

* Suffolk faces diagnosis crisis as autism assessment backlog doubles