Please Help My Son Alex Get the Autism Assessment He Deserves

My name is Frances, and this is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to write.

I’m a mum doing my absolute best for my son, Alex — my beautiful 11-year-old boy who has been struggling far more than any child should.

Alex is smart, gentle, and so sensitive. He notices everything. He cares deeply. But the world overwhelms him in ways other children don’t understand. Noise, crowds, changes, schoolwork — even small things can make him shut down or panic. I’ve watched him hold everything in all day, only to come home exhausted, confused, and upset because he can’t understand why he finds things so difficult.

Right now, Alex is out of school. He simply couldn’t cope anymore. And without a formal diagnosis, I can’t get him into the right environment or an SEN school where he will be understood and supported. Every day he’s at home, I see his confidence slipping away. He worries about falling behind. He worries something is “wrong” with him. As his mum, it breaks my heart because I know he’s not broken — he just needs people to see him properly.

We were told the NHS waiting list for an autism assessment is around 5 years.

Five years is far too long for a child who’s already struggling every single day.

A private assessment costs around £2,500. I am trying so hard to save, but I’m honestly struggling. I don’t have anyone to help with the cost, and every spare penny I can put aside feels like a drop in the ocean. It’s overwhelming, but I keep going because Alex needs this.

This assessment would change everything for him:

• he could finally get into an SEN school

• he could receive proper support, understanding, and routine

• he wouldn’t feel like he’s “failing” anymore

• he could start rebuilding his confidence

• he could be around teachers who get him

Alex deserves that chance. He deserves kindness, structure, and a school where he isn’t scared or lost. He deserves to finally understand himself — and to know that there is nothing wrong with him.

If you can help us in any way, even a tiny amount, it truly means the world.

And if you can’t donate, just sharing our story is a huge help.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for caring about my boy.

With love,

Frances & Alex