Dear Sarah,
Please find below the additional response covering NHS Northants. Please accept my apologies for the delay.
1. How many adults you have with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder (any, although if there are separate statistics for Asperger’s, HFA, LFA, they would be appreciated) in your area;

Information from the Northamptonshire Autism Self Assessment which was completed by the Local Authority in 2011:

 

There is no reliable locally collected data on the actual numbers of people with Adult Social Care available in Northamptonshire (JSNA). Estimated prevalence rates are provided by the PANSI system. The PANSI system provides estimated population prevalence rates for adults aged 18-64 predicated to have autistic spectrum disorders based on the Office for National Statistics population projections and prevalence research which estimates the prevalence at 1% of the population. Predictions: 2010 – 4,455, 2015 – 4,641.

 

Two-thirds of the ADHD and Aspergers Team referrals are for adults requiring a diagnostic assessment – therefore, many people have not been identified as having Aspergers Syndrome during their childhood, a condition they have had since birth. The team’s assumption is that there are approximately 6,000 people with Autism in Northamptonshire (based on a 1% prevalence rate) and approximately 2,000 with Aspergers Syndrome.

 
2. How many children; 
We are not able to provide an accurate figure on the number of children diagnosed with autism within the county council. It is possible to give a figure on the numbers of children with statements of special educational need where autism is the primary need; there are many who have autism and who do not have a statement, but we can only guess at how many.

As such, with a prevalence rate of around 1 in 100, we must assume that of the 100,000 or so school age children in Northamptonshire, around 1,000 are on the autistic spectrum.

3. What diagnostic services are available to a) adults and b) children; 

a)ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Asperger’s Team:The service is provided by Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust.

 

The team operates countywide, providing detailed assessments and diagnosis for adults suspected of having:

 

  • ADHD
  • Asperger’s syndrome
  • Tourettes

 

The team works with individuals who are:

  • Aged 18yrs + (16 -18 will depend upon individuals specific needs )
  • With a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of ADHD, Asperger’s or Tourettes.

 

Making a referral:

The team do NOT accept self referrals. Referrals can be made via either:

  • GP
  • Health Professionals
  • Secondary service such as a member of the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) or Social Services

 

Next steps:

Once referral has been made to the team, and it is deemed eligible for assessment the person will be asked to attend a screening appointment.

 

The screening appointment enables the team to decide whether full assessment is required. It also gives the Team chance to gain further information and discuss assessment with the person. If full assessment is required the person will be placed on the waiting list.

 

Once the person reaches the top of the waiting list, a letter will be sent asking the person to contact the team to arrange the first appointment.

 

Assessment and Diagnosis is made by one of the Clinical Psychologists.The diagnosis will happen over at least 2 appointments.

 

Once assessment is complete the person is invited for a feedback session with the diagnostician and a written report will be completed.

 

In the feedback session the choice of follow up support sessions will be offered.

Not everyone will require follow up work, therefore depending upon what is agreed the person may be seen by somebody else in the team or involvement with the team will end. Only a limited number of follow up appointments can be offered

 b) Children – A multi- agency pathways in lace for the diagnosis of ASD. Usually includes a  pediatrician  in collaboration with an Educational Psychologist – The M/A diagnostic pathway is currently being revised due to re-structures in County Council services.   
 
4. What agencies or teams you have that work with autistic people, provide support/services, strategise, etc.   For children – Post diagnostic support is mainly provided by the Autism Family Support Service which is a team of social care and education staff who provide support to the child in the context of the family and also the home. Sp. CAMHS dedicated worker also works closely with this team and enables effective pathways into specialist CAMHS. Community and voluntary sector providers are also commissioned to provide a range of services in Northants 

The Local Authority is the lead agency for autism. The contact with regards to autism is John Wannop (email:JWannop@northamptonshire.gov.uk).

 

There is an e-learning awareness package which is aimed at police, probation, magistrates and crown prosecution service. It aims to raise awareness of the needs of people with learning disabilities, mental health, autism and associated disorders. This package was co-produced with people with autism/Aspergers.

 

The ADHD and Asperger’s Team offer awareness training to GP’s, psychiatrists and other health staff.

 

NHS Northamptonshire held a consultation workshop with regards to people with learning disabilities who have autism as part of their ‘Big Health Day’ in July 2011.

 

Short breaks for children and young people in targeted settings:

These are either provided directly by Northamptonshire County Council or funded by the Council and provided under contract by a school or third sector organisation. There are Holiday and Saturday Clubs specifically for children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Further information about the range of short breaks and opportunities and how to access them is:

  • available on the Northamptonshire County Council website
  • accessible by contacting the Family Information Service
  • published in the SNIX News (also available on the website)
5. An email address/website for each of these agencies or teams where possible.  

The county council is restructuring and the contact details for the old team have just ceased, while the new team will be properly established from September 1st 2012.

Until then, Donna Perry is the county council contact for this (Dperry@northamptonshire.gov.uk)

ADHD and Asperger’s Team
St Mary’s Hospital
77 London Road
Kettering
Northants
NN15 7PW

Telephone: 01536 494824

 

Public website: http://www.nhft.nhs.uk

6. What the typical process should be for an adult in your area first asking their GP for an assessment for autistic spectrum disorder to receiving a diagnosis/support.
See q3 above.

I trust you find this information useful. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further assistance. I have attached a copy of the Trust’s leaflet on how we deal with Freedom of Information requests, should you require any additional information about the process.

Please note that any re-use of this information will be subject to the ‘Re-use of Public sector Information regulations.’ Please contact the Freedom of Information Officer for further information.

Kind regards,

Jennifer Hart 

Freedom of Information Officer