"Lack of paediatric care"

Our daughter is diagnosed with ASD and ADHD. We have had to pay for all her assessment, diagnosis and therapy privately. We will have spent a significant sum on this in school years 3-6. Her (private) school has also put a lot of effort and resources in.

Our GP tried twice to refer her to Community Paediatrics in 2020 but was told no referrals were being accepted. In May this year he referred her again. We are still waiting for an appointment date and it's been 27 weeks now (the website says 24.7 weeks). When I email them for updates I just get an auto response saying they're working through their waiting list.

This is not good enough! We can't access the medication she would (probably) benefit from without seeing a paediatrician. We need input on an EHCP. Secondary transfer is  coming up - a big risk time for neurodiverse children.

We feel very angry and frustrated that there is essentially no paediatric service available in our area unless you pay privately. We are also hugely concerned that most parents in our position cannot afford to pay. This is wrong.