Autism: Parenting Support Programmes

Baroness Pitkeathley Excerpts

Tuesday 14th July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

The figures that we are working from say that 270,701 people were waiting for an autism assessment in March 2026. We know that the average waiting time for assessments varies across the country: for 0 to 17 year-olds it is about 67 weeks, and for patients aged 18-plus it is about 20 weeks. The noble Lord is absolutely right to stress the importance of not having to wait for the actual diagnosis before things are put in place. That is why we are putting such focus on SEND reforms in schools and in early years provision, to make sure that we get early assessments and can put in place the support that we know is available as early as we possibly can.

[Baroness Pitkeathley (Lab)]

My Lords, while acknowledging the great importance of services to these families, will my noble friend the Minister also acknowledge the importance of peer support in these circumstances and commend the work of the many charities enabling families in the same circumstances to talk to each other, to share information and to get support?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

It will not come as any surprise to noble Lords that I support my noble friend completely on this. In those early days when the suspicion starts to arise, there is absolutely no substitute for having someone you can go and talk to in confidence, without escalating a situation, and to share experiences with. As she rightly highlights, the charity sector can signpost people to the support available and show them how to get on track in the system, moving towards diagnosis and further support.