Agenda item

This report provides an overview of the recently completed Autism Self-Assessment detailing local progress in the implementation of the national Autism Strategy, highlighting key areas of strength and need for improvement, and identifying future priorities for the commissioning and provision of services to children and adults with Autism.

10.35am – 20 minutes – Mike MacCallam

The Board considered a report which provided an overview of the recently completed Autism Self-Assessment detailing local progress in the implementation of the national Autism Strategy.  The report highlighted key areas of strength and need for improvement and identified future priorities for the commissioning and provision of services to children and adults with Autism.

Mike MacCallam, Senior Commissioning Manager, presented the report.  He explained that the self-assessment form was completed annually.  The one area of work that had a red rating was the recommended waiting times and this had proved a challenge due to the high number of referrals which have increased year on year.  The service was strong in a large number of areas and the pathway for young people moving onto adult services has improved.  Training has also been identified as an area of strength.  An urgent need has been identified to re-establish the Autism Partnership Board to develop and deliver local strategy in line with national guidance.

The following issues were then discussed:

·  It was noted that more referrals were being made each year but that only 40% of these actually resulted in an autism diagnosis.

·  The children’s service now has a more robust pathway and work has been carried out in conjunction with Wiltshire Council.  The waiting time for children is now 9 weeks which is similar to the adult service.

·  Sara Gallagher acknowledged the challenges relating to autism within the higher education service and recognised opportunities to forge links between the autism services and higher education.

·  It was confirmed that the service is already engaged with the local Universities and research being carried out in this area.

·  Cllr Tim Ball stated that waiting times for children are still too high and that if time is lost in obtaining a diagnosis then this could lead to mental health problems later in life.

·  Jocelyn Foster stated that the acute health sector had limited resources in relation to autism services and would welcome training from the Bath and North East Somerset Autism Spectrum Service (BASS).

·  Dr Ian Orpen stated that he would welcome a discussion with officers from BASS regarding the number of referrals and how these could be reduced.  He also supported the idea of triage.

·  Officers were not aware of any peer-review process but stated that results for all local authorities are available on-line.

·  Officers confirmed that there was further support available through the mental health service for those people who do not receive an autism diagnosis.

RESOLVED:

(1)  To note the content of the report and the self-assessment evaluation.

(2)  To note that further analysis will be undertaken to develop a comprehensive strategy and implementation plan for 2019/20 onwards, based on the findings from the self-assessment.

(3)  As a matter of urgency to establish a revised Autism Partnership Board, bringing together Children’s and Adults’ services along with key stakeholders, under the new commissioning management structure currently being put in place by the Council and the CCG to oversee this work.

(4)  To agree that B&NES Council and the CCG explore all opportunities for joint working across the STP with colleagues in Swindon and Wiltshire to develop best practice and outcomes for all people with an autism diagnosis.

(5)  To ask the Autism Partnership Board to take forward the resolution agreed at the Council meeting on 13 September 2018 regarding autism awareness.