The parents of a six-year-old boy have expressed frustration and concern after they received a letter from the HSE stating that the Assessment of Need (AON) service in their area was closed in March due to no psychologists being in post.
The Health Service Executive has since confirmed to RTÉ News that AON services in the HSE Dublin and Midlands region "remain active" and is "accepting applications".
The mother, who wishes to remain anonymous for the sake of her son, said she was "perplexed" by the letter, seen by RTÉ News, which states that the Parent Social Communication Group was identified as "the most appropriate intervention" and that she had been added to that waitlist.
The parent-directed group - which children do not attend - focuses on developing children's social communication and emotion regulation skills.
"The idea of been turned away for assessment of need is shocking because we cannot provide what he needs in school, and the school cannot provide it without diagnosis. Also, the Occupational Therapist (OT) requires a diagnosis report, so they know what he needs support with," she said.
Demand for AONs has increased significantly in recent years. The Minister for Children has said this is a reflection of both the increase in population and of families "exploring all options" for accessing services for their child.
By the end of June, there were 16,593 applications overdue for completion. 13,998 (84%) of those were overdue for longer than three months.
The family is based in Dublin 22 (HSE Dublin & Midlands region), which has the longest AON wait time, with 6,243 applications outstanding.
A HSE spokesperson said meeting the increasing demand for Assessment of Need (in the Dublin and Midlands Region and nationally) within the required timeframes continues to prove challenging, as the demand outstrips capacity.
"Recruitment to fill vacant Assessment Officer posts is currently taking place. The HSE is working with all HSE and HSE funded services in the area and a number of private providers to increase capacity of assessments and decrease wait times," he added.
The letter also stated that based on the referral information, the child may also benefit from a referral to the Primary Care Occupational Sensory Service in relation to his sensory needs.
Regarding the Primary Care Psychology Service in the Dublin South City and West Integrated Health Area, the HSE confirmed that the service "is limited at present" due to a number of staff vacancies.
The spokesperson said resources were being focused on service users waiting over 18 months and as per clinical prioritisation, following receipt of additional wait list initiative funding by Primary Care psychology service.
He added that the region is "actively recruiting" to fill vacant psychologist and assistant psychologist posts - both permanent staff and agency staff.
