A NEW autism diagnostic research service has launched on the Isle of Wight.

Bridges for Learning is a private educational psychology neurodevelopmental service and launched its service on September 20.

The multi-disciplinary team of professionals offer a service for children and young people, aged up to 25 years old.

Parents will have to pay for the diagnosis, although some groups are looking into funding.

There are an estimated 450 children on the Isle of Wight waiting for a diagnosis.

Although a full service will not be in place until next April, two interim providers — Psicon Ltd and Helios Ltd — have been brought in to clear the backlog.

Health chiefs have warned it could take up to a year to clear the backlog.

The new, private service, based in Denmark Road, Cowes, adheres to the National Institute for Care and Clinical Excellence guidelines.

Children will be seen within more than one context — such as school and home.

Education psychologist and service manager for Bridge For Learning, Siobhan Aubin said the launch was a successful one.

Ms Aubin said: “One attendee told us, ‘I am sure that I am not the only one who felt a sense of relief that there is hope now for parents and families in terms both getting a diagnosis and the holistic support you are all offering’.”

To find out more contact: bridges4learning@gmail.com or visit www.bridges4learning.co.uk.