Open petition: Fund rapid assessments and early intervention for non-verbal autistic children

Created by Monica Silva De la Vega
Closes on 25 March 2027

We are concerned that thousands of non-verbal autistic children in the UK miss the peak neuroplasticity window (ages 0-5) to gain speech due to multi-year SEN wait times. We urge the Government to fund guaranteed immediate, specialised speech therapy upon referral for non-verbal autistic children.

Multi-year waiting lists force parents to watch their children lose out on essential communication skills during their peak developmental years (ages 0-5). Leaving non-verbal children without early intervention can limit their future independence and increases long-term social care costs. We urge the Government to guarantee funded, specialised communication support immediately at the point of referral, reduce diagnostic backlogs, and ensure no child is left behind due to system delays.

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