Figures released by the Health Service Executive to RTÉ's Morning Ireland show that the average waiting time was 19 months, despite a legal requirement for the assessment to be completed within six months.
"To see your child stressed and upset and not being able to help them is just so hard. I need support from an occupational therapist and a psychologist and we don't have that," she said. Dr Anna Beug, who has been a GP for 20 years and teaches on the subject of child mental health and disability, said assessments should identify the needs of children and link them to appropriate therapists.
Private assessments, which are not necessarily recognised by the HSE and education bodies, can cost up to €1,800. "We think the Government should set up a high-level Working Group as a matter of urgency to address the issue for these very vulnerable children," Professor Smith added. "I've come across hundreds of these cases and my experience is there are very few, if any, that have been completed within the timeframe permitted by law," said Gareth Noble, a child law solicitor with KOD Lyons.
Source: Healthcare Press (healthcarepress.net)
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