Clinical treatment in hospital : Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

Ms C complained that Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (“the Health Board”) failed to identify and diagnose her son, P, with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for a period of approximately 8 years.

The Ombudsman’s investigation found that whilst there were clinical symptoms and signs of potential ASD/ADHD present in P between 2013 and 2014, there were some valid diagnostic uncertainties at that point. When P was seen by a Consultant in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in 2014 and 2015, the Consultant concluded that a lack of symptoms and impairment meant that a definitive diagnosis of ASD/ADHD could not be made. The Ombudsman was satisfied that the conclusions reached were in accordance with, then, guidance and research.

The Ombudsman did not uphold Ms C’s complaint.