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What is an Assessment of Need in Ireland, and how long is the wait?

Your child's legal right to an Assessment of Need, the timeframes in the Disability Act, and what to do while you wait.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 27, 2026 · 1 min read
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The short answer

An Assessment of Need (AON) is a legal right under the Disability Act 2005 for anyone who may have a disability, including children with possible autism. You apply to the HSE. By law, the assessment should start within 3 months of the application and finish within a further 3 months, though many children wait much longer. You don't need a GP referral to apply.

Key takeaways
  • An AON is a legal right under the Disability Act 2005.
  • Apply to the HSE; no GP referral needed.
  • It should start within 3 months and finish within a further 3.
  • Many children wait longer, so start supports now.

What is an Assessment of Need?

An AON identifies whether a person has a disability, what their health and education needs are, and what services are required. It ends with an Assessment Report, followed by a Service Statement from the HSE.1

How do I apply?

  1. Get the form from the HSE website or your local health office.
  2. Send it to your local Assessment Officer.
  3. Keep a copy and note the date sent.

The HSE and Citizens Information explain the process in more detail.12

What are the legal timeframes?

Assessment of Need timeframes
StageLegal timeframe
Assessment startsWithin 3 months of the application
Assessment finishesWithin a further 3 months
Service StatementAfter the Assessment Report

In practice, many children wait far beyond these timeframes. If the HSE misses a deadline, you can complain.2

What can I do while waiting?

Try
  • Writing down what you notice
  • Talking to your child's preschool or school
  • Trying a simple visual schedule at home
Skip
  • Waiting for a diagnosis before trying anything
  • Paying for unproven programmes
Free printable: appointment notesPDF · 2 pages · what you've noticed, plus questions to ask
Download Free printable: appointment notes

What can I do this week?

0 of 3 done

Read next: How do autism classes and SNA support work in Irish schools?

Common questions

Anyone who believes they have a disability, or a parent or guardian on a child's behalf. There's no age limit.

Sources

  1. HSE: Assessment of Need. www2.hse.ie
  2. Citizens Information: Assessment of need for people with disabilities. citizensinformation.ie

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. Every child is different, so please talk with your child's doctor or care team about what's right for your family. How we write our guides.

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