Pauline McGarry, from Sheepmoor in Dublin, has two children, Jason (15) and Jaden (4), both living with autism. Jaden also has a severe speech delay.
Despite being diagnosed aged two, she was told Jaden would have to wait until 2029 for his first appointment with the Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT).
She says her family is “worn down” by the constant battle for help and support.
“There is no help in this country for a child with disabilities,” Ms McGarry said.
“How can my Jaden and other children with disabilities meet their full potential when we’re being told our son will get his first appointment with the CDNT in 2029?
“Jaden will be 9 years old by the time he gets his first appointment. I have his initial assessment on diagnosis, which recommended that he have early intervention as soon as possible.”
Dublin mum Pauline McGarry and her son Jaden
Jaden was diagnosed at the age of two and was initially seen by Primary Care. However, they faced what Ms McGarry described as a “ridiculous situation” when he was removed from that list and put on the CDNT list because he couldn’t be on two lists at once.
While she understood this, she questioned why he was left on the Primary Care list for so long when it was clear he should have been placed on the CDNT list.
She is increasingly worried as Jaden has begun to stutter when trying to speak.
“He lost out on about seven months of help because of this, and there is absolutely no joined-up thinking whatsoever. Our children and wider families are bearing the brunt of this mismanagement,” she said.
“Children with autism and their families are being placed in a no-win situation. No matter what we do, we’re on our own. It’s brutal.
“I have done course after course to try and help Jaden and Jason, who is 15. But at the end of the day, I’m not a qualified occupational therapist. I can only do so much.
“This new stutter is so painful to see. He is frustrated because he’s trying to communicate, and it’s so avoidable. Had he been seen, he would have received the help and support he needs.
“When he starts school next year, the other kids won’t be able to understand him, and I dread that. He will be further isolated, and as his mammy, this absolutely breaks my heart.
“Jason, who is now 15, will be an adult by the time he is seen. You couldn’t make it up,” she added.
The Department of Health and the CDNT have been contacted for comment.
