It also found a third of those who have been assessed had to pay for the tests privately.
Parents say the survey has highlighted the difficulties they are encountering in accessing State services for special needs children.
Updated: 14:18, Friday, 16 March 2007
A survey carried out in west Cork has found that one-fifth of special needs children in the area are awaiting psychological assessment.
It also found a third of those who have been assessed had to pay for the tests privately.
Parents say the survey has highlighted the difficulties they are encountering in accessing State services for special needs children.
16 March 2007
Paschal Sheehy, Southern Editor, reports that one-fifth of special needs children in west Cork are awaiting psychological assessment