More Support For Those With Autism?

North Yorkshire Council and the NHS are coming up with a plan to offer more support to people with autism.

Published 9th Jun 2015

North Yorkshire Council and the NHS are coming up with a plan to offer more support to people with autism.

They are setting out what they should be doing for those with the condition, looking at awareness, assessment, support and early diagnosis.

The strategy will be published in October 2015.

Councillor 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.”

Councillor 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 NHS Partnership Commissioning Unit 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.”