A new autism strategy is currently being developed for North Yorkshire.
The new strategy has been written by North Yorkshire County Council and the NHS Partnership Commissioning Unit which works on behalf of the county’s four main NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups. Other agencies have contributed to or will be supporting the strategy, including North Yorkshire Police and the seven district and borough councils.
The strategy sets out expectations for public sector organisations in North Yorkshire to achieve in relation to health, education and social care for people with autism. The strategy will be published in October 2015 and will run until October 2018.
The strategy should mean that:
- awareness of autism will be increased, along with the need to understand those with autism and treat them fairly as individuals
- people will receive an assessment in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines;
there is an emphasis on early diagnosis - additional support will be available from the partnership organisations
County Council say ut is vitally important that people with autism and their families have a say in the development of the strategy. The County Council and the NHS would like to invite people to read the draft strategy, and then have their say by completing a questionnaire, which can be found here: www.northyorks.gov.uk/autismstrategy
Alternatively, people can come and share their opinion at one of the Council’s local events that will be held during July 2015. Details will be available on the Council’s website.
Cllr Clare Wood, Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health Integration at North Yorkshire County Council said:
This strategy will build on some excellent work that has already taken place to raise awareness of autism around the county.
More than one in 100 people in the UK have autism and it is vital that appropriate support, information and guidance is available for people before, during and after diagnosis.
This strategy will set out clear ambitions for public sector agencies to achieve to further improve the lives of people with autism in North Yorkshire.
Cllr Janet Sanderson, Executive Member for Children and Young People’s Services at North Yorkshire County Council said:
Autism can affect people at different stages of their lives, so it is important that we work closely with colleagues across the education, health and social care sectors to improve the services that these people and their families need.
This strategy will ensure that we can define and support the needs of those with autism, whether they require specialist care or are able to live an independent life.
Janet Probert, Director of the PCU said: We are really excited about the progress of the procurement for adult autism/ADHD assessment and diagnostic service in North Yorkshire, with the new services available from this autumn.
There has been considerable progress made with the Children and Young People’s diagnostic assessments services, which includes close monitoring of referrals and waiting times.
