Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
Famed vocalist Rod Stewart has intervened to assist four-year-old Iain Gregori, who finds himself in a proverbial “black hole” awaiting an autism assessment after a lengthy three-year wait. The Scottish administration has been urged to “lower its head in disgrace” following the Dreams singer’s involvement, who personally funded Iain’s official diagnosis.
Politician Raises Awareness
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar brought attention to the situation during First Minister’s Questions on Thursday. “After three years, Iain remains non-verbal and is still pending a diagnosis,” stated Mr. Sarwar. “Michael, Iain’s father, was once a member of the SNP and actively campaigned for them to assume power.”
Details of the Case
Mr. Sarwar elaborated, “Michael told me that the SNP should now lower its head in disgrace, as they have disappointed Scotland.”
“When discussing his child, he stated, ‘everyone is confirming that Iain requires this diagnosis; he is autistic, everyone is convinced of it, but at the same time, he needs an official diagnosis to access the necessary resources.”
“Rod Stewart became aware of this distressing tale and personally financed Iain’s assessment.”
“However, not every family will be as fortunate—why, under John Swinney’s leadership, must young individuals depend on the kindness of a music icon to acquire essential treatment?”
Government Response
In response, First Minister John Swinney emphasized that an official diagnosis is not a prerequisite for commencing support. “Parents can take comfort knowing that assistance is accessible to cater to the unique needs of individual young people,” he added. He further explained that the government is considering a variety of interventions, such as broadening mental health support and fostering community initiatives. The objective is to ensure that young individuals receive the required assistance at the earliest feasible opportunity.
The Gregori Family Experience
The family of Michael Gregori, who has been awaiting an assessment for their four-year-old son, Iain, for over three years, shared their struggles. Michael, 29, and his wife Susan, 25, from Kirkconnel, Dumfriesshire, noted that their son exhibited signs of autism at just one year old.
Iain is set to begin school in a few months, yet he remains non-verbal.
Sir Rod’s Involvement
Sir Rod previously disclosed to the Daily Record his intention to arrange for a private specialist in either London or Scotland to conduct Iain’s diagnosis. He assured that all costs would be covered by him. He expressed, “I’m endeavoring to secure the lad an appointment with a private specialist, which my team will locate either in London or Scotland. All his parents need to do is obtain a referral letter to this specialist.”
He continued, “Undoubtedly, all expenses will be my responsibility,” noting, “I’ve experienced significant success in my career and have been blessed with good health. As a knight of the realm, I believe it is my duty to continue charitable work, as that is one of the reasons I was knighted.”