A THIRD of people with suspected autism are having to wait at least three years to have their condition diagnosed, a charity has claimed.

The National Autistic Society has called for the system to be speeded up because it says delays are meaning sufferers are missing out on vital support.

A survey by the charity found 34% had to wait three years or more for a diagnosis after first raising concerns and a further 30% reported diagnosis taking between one and two years. There are 58,300 people with autism in the east of England, 46,645 of whom are male and 11,655 female.

One of those backing the action call is mother-of-two Amanda Freemantle, of Haverhill, who has been waiting more than four years for a proper diagnosis for her six-year-old daughter Shannon.

Ms Freemantle, who works at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, said at the age of three Shannon was assessed by a speech and language therapist who diagnosed her with severe receptive language disorder. Ms Freemantle said she had been pushing for a diagnosis for her daughter – who is also partially-sighted – ever since she started school.

Ms Freemantle said: “Shannon was behaving in ways that led me believe that she had autism.

“She was obsessively lining up her Duplo blocks, hand-flapping and having one-way-conversations. Shannon also doesn’t like others invading her personal space.”

Ms Freemantle said her local child development centre refused to see her daughter, saying that, as Shannon was already receiving help for her other conditions, an additional diagnosis wouldn’t make a difference.

“We just want to know, but we just can’t get the diagnosis done. We’ve been trying and trying for a couple of years and keep being fobbed off. We considered getting a private assessment, but it was over �1,500 and we just don’t have that kind of money.”

A spokesman for NHS Suffolk said: “While NHS Suffolk cannot comment on individual cases, the formal diagnosis of autism is reached only after a robust assessment process. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance provides referral and diagnostic advice to autism teams. However, caution is required in diagnosing very young children.

“Often there are a number of other conditions which can present similar symptoms, which can prevent a definitive diagnosis being made. While a formal diagnosis can take time, this will ensure that the needs of the child are met.

“NHS Suffolk works with a number of other agencies which provide support to children with autism and their families, in line with national guidance.”

Mark Lever, chief executive of the National Autistic Society, said: “Getting a diagnosis is a critical milestone that can unlock the door to identifying the right support and, without it, people struggle to access the help they need.”