See also Autism Provision by NHS Primary Care Trust 2012.

[I have not edited this email, this mess is literally what they sent me]

 

Dear  McCulloch

 

In response to your request for information I have received the following details:-

 

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;

Currently this information is not systematically collected. There are an estimated  adults with ASD in Barnsley based on National prevalence data.

 

2. How many children; Not currently available – needs assessment underway. However, we estimate up to 600  0 to 18 yr olds.

 

3. What diagnostic services are available to a) adults Adults with suspected undiagnosed ASD can be referred for specialist diagnostic assessment on an individual basis, to the Sheffield diagnostic service. This is a tertiary service and so referrals will only be accepted from a mental health professional and b) children; b) assessment pathways led 0 to 5 yr olds by Community Paediatric Service and 5 to 18 yr olds led by CAMHS. Pathways to assessment, diagnosis and ongoing care currently under review.

 

4. What agencies or teams you have that work with autistic people, provide support/services, strategise, etc.

Autism Strategy Group chaired by joint commissioner, local lead professional is a Consultant Community Paediatrician. Integration, Assessment Disability and Inclusions Service includes integrated Inclusion Service ( SEN, SALT, OT , Educational Psychology, Communication and Interaction) who are supporting schools/ education delivery and  Social care Disabled Children’s Team.

 

Adults :

  • A Commissioner led working group has undertaken a needs assessment and gap analysis and has made recommendations for a local ‘virtual’ team to provide diagnosis and advice and who will build capacity and awareness among other health and social care staff.
  • People with ASD and mental health problems can be supported by secondary mental health services.
  • People with ASD and learning disability are supported by the integrated Learning Disability service.
  • Adult Social Care provide assessment and can organise care packages for eligible ‘Vulnerable adults’.

5. An email address/website for each of these agencies or teams where possible. Various teams – no specific emails/websites

 

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.

Assessment by GP of co morbid needs and decision re referral to mental health or Learning Disability Services for further assessment/access to diagnosis.

Gap around ASD without LD or MH co morbidities to be addressed by the commissioning recommendation for a local virtual team.

 

I hope that this response is to your satisfaction and would be grateful for any comments you may have in relation to the service provided.

 

If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your request and wish to make a complaint or request a review of our decision, you should write to the Complaints Manager at the address below.

 

If you are not content with the outcome of your complaint, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision.  Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted the complaints procedure.  The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House,Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.

 

Yours sincerely