AQW 26009/17-22 Written question to the Minister of Health

To ask the Minister of Health (i) how many people are waiting on an assessment for suspected dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD; (ii) how many of those awaiting assessment are considered school leavers; and (iii) to detail the process for assessment for those who have since left school while on the waiting list.

Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 18 November 2021

  • Answered
  • Written
  • After due date
Tabled
18 November 2021
Answer due by
3 December 2021
Answered
13 December 202125 days after tabling
Department
Department of Health
Priority question
No

Answer

DyslexiaInformation in regards to waiting list for dyslexia assessment cannot be provided by my department as this is an educational assessment and not completed by health and social care professionals.

Dyspraxia

Health and Social Care Trusts do not hold specific waiting lists for Dyspraxia assessments, as this is often a joint or multi-disciplinary assessment, between different health professionals or with the Education Authority.

ADHD

There are currently 2,593 children waiting for an ADHD assessment in the five Health and Social Care Trusts.

(ii) & (iii)

The number of those waiting assessment for dyslexia or dyspraxia who are considered school leavers cannot be provided for the reasons outlined in answer above.

Of the 2,593 children waiting for an ADHD assessment, 70 were considered to be of school leaver age (over 16 years of age). Please note that Northern HSC Trust was unable to identify this cohort within their dataset.

Official sources