# 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.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/assessment-of-need-ireland
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**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.[1][2]

## What are the legal timeframes?

| Stage | Legal timeframe |
| --- | --- |
| Assessment starts | Within 3 months of the application |
| Assessment finishes | Within a further 3 months |
| Service Statement | After the Assessment Report |

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

**While you wait.** You don't need a diagnosis or an AON to start helping at home. Simple visual supports, like a first-then board, can
  make daily routines more predictable now.

## 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: [Free printable: appointment notes](https://theautismkit.com/printables/appointment-notes.pdf)

## What can I do this week?

- [ ] Download and send the AON form
- [ ] Note the date you applied
- [ ] Try one visual support at home

Read next: [How do autism classes and SNA support work in Irish schools?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/autism-class-sna-ireland)

## Common questions

### Who can apply for an AON?

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

### What happens if the assessment is late?

You can make a complaint to the HSE's disability complaints officer. Citizens Information explains the steps.

### Does an AON give a diagnosis?

It identifies needs and the services required. It may include a diagnostic assessment, but its main purpose is a statement of needs and services.

## Sources

1. HSE: Assessment of Need. https://www2.hse.ie/services/disability/applying-for-an-assessment-of-need/assessment-of-need/
2. Citizens Information: Assessment of need for people with disabilities. https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/health-services/health-services-for-people-with-disabilities/assessment-of-need-for-people-with-disabilites/

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.