PEOPLE in Bradford with autism have considered taking their own lives after they were unable to get the support and services they need, councillors have been told.

A new report by Healthwatch Bradford has detailed the difficulties many with the condition in the district face, including years long waits to actually be assessed as having autism.The newly-published report was discussed by Bradford Council’s Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee.

During the discussion, members were told of the harsh realities facing some people in Bradford with autism.

The Committee was told that around 750 children in the district are currently on the waiting list for an autism diagnosis in Bradford.

And health services are also aware of over 200 adults who also waiting, although the actual number is likely to be much higher.

Healthwatch estimates that around 6,000 people in Bradford have autism, but members of the committee suggested the actual figure was likely to be higher.

Adults who are seeking a diagnosis are referred to the Bradford and Airedale Neurodevelopment Service (BANDS), but the report points out that this service has been closed to new referrals since 2016.

Some who spoke to Healthwatch said this meant they had been waiting for up to three years for an assessment – and could not access specialist services until they had one. 63 adults are on the BANDS’ waiting list, and another 140 have been referred by doctors, but are unable to get on the waiting list.

Sarah Hutchinson, manager at Healthwatch Bradford, told the meeting that as well as struggles to get diagnosed, people with autism were often faced with a lack of understanding of the condition. She said: “Without that understanding, services can’t always put in place the appropriate care.

“The most striking thing about putting this report together was how unhappy and vulnerable people with autism feel, and a fear that they could lose what support they do have. The impact on people with the condition, and their families, can be huge.

“We heard from some older people who have been struggling to get the services they need for their whole lives.”

She added: “Bradford should aim to become an Autism Friendly City to make the city as accessible as possible to those with autism.”

Councillor Ralph Berry (Lab, Wibsey) said that if the Council got its autism strategies right, it could lead to huge benefits for those with the condition and the district as a whole. He said: “It would lead to improved safeguarding, improved educational outcomes and better employment.”

Councillor Nicola Pollard (Lib Dem, Eccleshill) pointed out a recent study that found that a large number of people who had been newly diagnosed with autism had contemplated suicide. Mrs Hutchinson replied: “We heard stories of people who had attempted or contemplated suicide because they were not getting support that understood their needs.”