There's frustration from a Southland family who had to wait 13 months to talk to a psychologist about their son's suspected autism and ADHD

Josie Dyer from Wyndham says they went to their GP after their son Sam, who's now 10, became fixated on things, fell behind at school academically, was having meltdowns and trashing the house.

She says they were told by a public paediatrician his issues were down to parental discipline.

Dyer says it was very hard and the family felt let down, especially when they were told it was their fault.

She says they paid to go to another paediatrician privately, who referred them to a public psychologist, who they finally spoke to over the phone before lockdown.

Southern District Health Board says the district has recently been given extra funding for more psychologists and hopes this will reduce wait times.