Please remember every child is different and therefore, the journey from referral to diagnosis and the time this takes will be different for each child.
One assessment tool or multiple tools may be needed to inform a diagnosis. These tools can include:
- History taking from parent/ carer
- Physical examinations
- A BOSA (Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism) assessment
- School observation assessments
Luton Community Paediatrics Service - Edwin Lobo Centre, Redgrave Gardens, Luton
How long will my child wait for a BOSA appointment?
- Children are seen according to clinical priority
- As each child may need a variety of different assessment tools to inform a diagnosis, it is not possible to give an exact indication of the time that this process will take
- As an example, the average wait for a BOSA assessment is currently 25 weeks
What is the service doing to help?
We are taking action to try to improve our waiting times:
- Additional BOSA assessments are available.
- Neurodiversity Diagnosis Support Pack launched (link below)
- Two new posts being recruited to support children and families waiting for ASD diagnostic assessment.
- ADOS/BOSA staff training completed to increase in house capacity.
- SEND facilitator supporting families with pre-school children waiting for conclusion of their diagnostic assessments.
- BOSA video and resources launched to help families understand what to expect from the BOSA assessment.
Where can I go for help in the meantime?
You can find extra help here:
Bedfordshire Community Paediatrics Service - Child Development Centre (CDC), Kempston
How long will my child wait for a BOSA appointment?
- Children seen according to clinical priority
- As each child may need a variety of different assessment tools to inform a diagnosis, it is not possible to give an exact indication of the time that this process will take
- As an example, the average wait for a BOSA assessment is 12 weeks
What is the Service doing to help?
We are taking action to try to improve our waiting times:
- Additional BOSA assessments are available
- Neurodiversity Diagnosis Support Pack launched (link below)
- Two new posts being recruited to support children and families waiting for ASD diagnostic assessment.
- ADOS/BOSA staff training completed to increase in house capacity.
- SEND facilitator supporting families with pre-school children waiting for conclusion of their diagnostic assessments.
- BOSA video and resources launched to help families understand what to expect from the BOSA assessment.
Where can I go for help in the meantime?
You can find extra help here:
Support Pack This pack includes information on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Holistic Advice.
PDRP Resources Section includes details of the Local Offer and Parent Carer Forum details available in your area.
BOSA resources including a video have been developed or visit your Local Offer webpages.
For advice and support contact our health hub:
Bedfordshire & Luton Health HUB – Tel: 0300 555 0606 open hours Monday – Friday (except bank holidays) 0900 - 5.00.
Further information about our waiting times, for both areas, can be found here: (www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk/beds-luton-community-paediatrics
A COVID-19 phase 4 recovery plan (1st April 21 onwards) is in place and reviewed weekly, alongside a Quality Impact assessment.