The State investing so much money fighting us is a disgrace, rages dad of autistic girl, 6, facing assessment wait hell
AN AUTISTIC girl has been pushed to the back of the waiting queue as the six-year-old awaits another assessment of need for ADHD.
Grace Fogarty has already had an assessment of need carried out for autism, but is now on another lengthy waiting list.
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Grace Fogarty is facing a long delay for an assessment of need for ADHD
It comes as Opposition in the
There are currently 15,296 children on waiting lists longer than this six-month period.
It's also been reported that the Government has spent €8 million defending legal actions by frustrated parents.
Grace's exhausted dad John described it as a 'national disgrace' and 'up there with housing as the biggest crisis in the country'.
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He told
'We had a High
'It's been kicked down the road a couple of times now. We were successful with our case and just waiting to hear from the Complaints Officer regarding what order they're going to put on the
'To complicate matters even more we've had to apply for an assessment for ADHD. We had our suspicions that Grace was showing symptoms for ADHD. We are in that 15,000 because we applied last autumn.
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'It's not something that's added on. This is considered something that's fresh and has to be looked at like that. Grace is on yet another waiting list for that.'
According to the HSE: "The assessment of need is to identify whether a person has a disability, the nature and extent of that disability and any health and educational needs that arise from it.
'An assessment of need is not needed to access health services.
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"The number of people in need of assessment of need is growing as demand outstrips system capacity.'
Our Kids Can't Wait Campaign
WAITING lists in Ireland have long been a national disgrace.
More than 106,000 children are on hospital waiting lists for all treatments. However, a new source of shame has emerged as 327 children wait for life changing spinal surgeries.
Their conditions are getting worse while they languish on waiting lists.
Such are the delays, many child patients will be outside the therapeutic window when their treatments are approved.
Earlier this month, the Seanad heard how at least one child has become permanently paralysed since the issue was raised publicly before Christmas.
Their plight has been spearheaded by campaigning Senator Tom Clonan, who himself has a child with a disability.
Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has even admitted that the health service is failing these kids.
Children are being allowed to deteriorate due to mismanagement, which has allowed the waiting lists to grow.
The Irish Sun's Kids Can't Wait campaign aims to shine a light on how the State is failing sick children and give their families a voice.
It will also force the Government to do something to clear the backlog of operations and give these children a chance of living a normal life.
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Grace's dad John described the waiting list situation as a disgrace
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For those that want treatment, that can look like a combination of medication, psychological support, and lifestyle adjustments, says Dr Kumar. She explains: "Psychological therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), support managing time, emotions, and daily challenges, often alongside coaching and family education. "Lifestyle changes like establishing routines, using organisational tools, exercising, and prioritising good sleep also play an important role. "Schools may provide additional support through formal plans, and regular follow-ups with healthcare professionals ensure the treatment is effective and adjusted as needed. "Overall, treatment is personalised to help improve daily functioning and quality of life."
