Mum of boy incorrectly diagnosed with autism says HSE are failing to carry out timely assessments
The mother of a young boy from Fordstown with additional needs says the HSE are failing vulnerable children after her son was misdiagnosed.
In May 2022, Tracy Carroll's says son Noah (8), was misdiagnosed with autism by Caroline Goldsmith, the woman accused of using fake psychology qualifications to diagnose autism and other neurological conditions in children and adults.
She featured in an RTÉ Investigates documentary last week about the complete absence of regulation of psychologists in Ireland.
After these revelations came to light, Noah underwent an assessment with a different practitioner and has since been diagnosed with ADHD but has still not received the intervention he needs. Tracy says the blame lies with the HSE for accepting reports from unregulated individuals putting families into dangerous situations.
"Noah had an assessment where he was inaccurately diagnosed," she said.
"Then we had a correct assessment with someone else which cost us €1,200 but the difference was vast. It was a long in depth assessment.
Tracy says she was desperate to get her son an assessment but doors were being closed in her face from private practices who were not taking any more new clients. When an appointment was offered to her by Caroline Goldsmith she said she jumped at it.
"I was talking to a friend who I met through The Jack and Jill Foundation and she told me about this lady who was really good so I rang her the following day and she gave me an immediate appointment, we just wanted to get Noah help so it was a case of 'bloody hell I'll take this'.
"She diagnosed him with autism.
Realising all was not what it seemed, Tracy said she lucky enough to get a new assessment with a clinic in Athboy where he got a correct diagnosis.
The mum of two says the onus is on the HSE to step in and ensure no other families are put through this "nightmare." She added:
"The HSE has been aware of her since 2012 and they are hiding behind the curtain of ‘psychology is not regulated in Ireland’ but the HSE has a case to answer as to why they let this progress and why they were accepting reports from her knowing that she wasn't adequately qualified to assess and diagnose children.
"The HSE are failing to carry out timely assessments. In the end they are creating bigger problems for themselves, early intervention is vital to get there in time for when they really need supports.
"I have spent the last five months trying to get a psychiatrist for Noah privately and all of their books are closed. It's just a minefield and the pressure is being put back on the school and we are so lucky Boyerstown NS is so supportive.
Contrary to belief you don't have to have an assessment of needs to have the right to apply for extra supports according to Tracy however the services needed are not there.
"The problem lies within the HSE on their failure to adequately support and staff these positions, the waiting lists are chronic and parents are being forced into very vulnerable situations and very costly assessments.
"Families are struggling and are terrified and don't have the finances to go down the private road. It's pot luck where you are if you get an assessment and at the end of the day the kids are really struggling. They need support if they can't get that extra input and the families don't have resources you are creating a big storm."