Date & Venue:
Microsoft Teams (Online Meeting)
Key Highlights:
- Leadership & Governance Updates:
- Minutes and action log approved.
- Updates on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and NHS ratification of private autism diagnoses placed on hold.
- Norfolk Autism Partnership website reviewed for accessibility improvements.
- Diagnostic Updates:
- Adult Diagnosis: 740 adults on the waiting list as of January 2023 (20% decrease).
- Children & Young People: 4,831 children on the waiting list, with average wait times of 40 weeks.
- Concerns raised about increasing demand outmatching available assessments.
- Plan to review funding options and increase assessment capacity.
- Service & Funding Discussions:
- Proposal to increase funding for autism diagnostic pathways.
- Work ongoing to develop guidance for parents seeking private autism assessments.
- Autism Service Norfolk exploring alternative funding options to manage waiting lists.
- Early Support Service Co-Production:
- Development of a new service for autistic adults needing early-stage support.
- Co-production events held, with four key themes identified:
- Support Worker
- Link Worker/Navigator
- Drop-in Service
- Peer Support Service
- Board asked to promote engagement with the co-production questionnaire.
- Steering Group & Strategy Updates:
- Task and finish group proposed creating a Steering Group led by autistic individuals and carers.
- Aim to prioritize key issues for the Board and ensure better representation.
- Board approved the Steering Group model, with next steps focused on defining its Terms of Reference.
- Other Key Announcements:
- Disability-Related Expenses (DRE) guidance launched on Norfolk County Council website.
- Autism Norfolk Forum scheduled for 22 March 2023, focusing on Advocacy.
- Clinical trial opportunity for autistic adults experiencing anxiety (STRATA study).
Next Steps:
- Continue advocating for increased autism diagnosis funding.
- Advance Early Support Service co-production with community input.
- Establish and define the role of the Steering Group within NAPB.
- Promote participation in the STRATA study and Autism Norfolk Forum.
Next Meeting: 16 May 2023, Microsoft Teams.
To read the full minutes click here