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Delays in an autism diagnosis for a 12-year-old boy found hanged in his bedroom did not contribute to his death, a coroner has concluded. Riley Townsend was found by his dad on August 31 last year and died in hospital the next day. ‌

The youngster was previously diagnosed with ADHD in November 2021, with his autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment at the time proving "inconclusive". However, an inquest that concluded at Nottingham Coroner's Court today (November 27) heard that Riley was going to be diagnosed with autism in October 2024 - a month after his death. ‌

This was a result of multiple delays over the years, some deemed significant, the inquest heard. However, coroner Amanda Bewley concluded that these delays did not contribute to Riley's death, Nottingh

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