Suffolk police chiefs to hold final public meeting of the year online

Why it matters: The dramatic increase in waiting times is preventing thousands of local residents from accessing proper support and services, which often require a formal diagnosis. Mental health experts warn these delays can lead to increased anxiety and stress for those awaiting assessment.

By the numbers:

• 4,130 patients currently waiting for assessment in Suffolk and North East Essex – up from 2,310 last year

• 87% (3,605) have waited more than 13 weeks

• Only 2% of long-wait patients received appointments in September

The bigger picture: The local crisis reflects a national trend, with NHS England reporting:

• 204,876 patients waiting across England

• 27% rise from last year

• 43-week median waiting time for first appointment

• 161% increase in referrals over the past four years

What they're saying: "An autism assessment can be the first step to really understanding people's needs," says Tim Nicholls, assistant director of policy at the National Autistic Society. "Waiting for months or years for an assessment leaves people struggling without the right support, increasingly stressed and anxious. It pushes some people to a mental health crisis."

The response: NHS England says it has published new national guidance to help local partners deliver better assessment services. They acknowledge the significant increase in referrals but claim there are "improvements in the number of assessments completed."

The bottom line: While the NHS promises improvements, the growing backlog in Suffolk suggests the situation may worsen before it gets better, leaving thousands of local residents in limbo without formal diagnosis and support.