A MAN from Bolton was finally diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome after his family wrote to NHS Bolton saying their policy about assessment was “discriminatory”.

The man, known only as Matthew, had shown signs of autism throughout his life but had never been able to access an assessment — and without a diagnosis he struggled to gain the support he needed.

His family contacted Irwin Mitchell Solicitors who wrote to the NHS in Bolton, arguing that their policy was discriminatory and went against the Autism Act statutory guidance, which sets out that every area in England should have a pathway to diagnosis for adults with suspected autism.

NHS Bolton offered the 35-year-old an assessment, which found that he had Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism, and since then has been able to access the support he needs.

Research carried out by The National Autistic Society (NAS) as part of the Push for Action campaign has shown that only 63 out of 152 local authorities in England have an autism diagnosis pathway in place.