A coroner has concluded that delays in diagnosing a 12-year-old boy's autism were not a contributing factor in his tragic death by suicide.
A Family's Long Quest for Support
Riley Townsend, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, died on 1 September 2024. The young boy had been struggling with his mental health for several years leading up to his death.
His family had spent three years trying to secure an autism diagnosis for him. Riley had been diagnosed with ADHD in November 2021, but an assessment for autism spectrum disorder had returned as "inconclusive".
This outcome meant the assessment could have been revisited if further concerns emerged in the future, but Riley never received a formal autism diagnosis.
School Challenges and a Fresh Start
Riley was due to begin a new term at Ashfield School on 3 September 2024, just two days after his death. This move was a managed transition from his previous school, Quarrydale Academy.
At Quarrydale Academy, Riley had been described as "unsettled" and was excluded on several occasions due to his behaviour, highlighting the challenges he faced in that educational environment.
The Coroner's Conclusion
Following an investigation, the coroner officially ruled that the delays in the autism diagnosis process did not play a part in Riley's death. The inquest brought to a close the formal proceedings examining the circumstances surrounding this devastating loss.
The case underscores the complex issues many families face while navigating the system for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support for their children.
