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.
- Concerns raised over the sustainability of current autism diagnostic services.
- Diagnostic Updates:
- Adult Diagnosis: 559 adults on the waiting list as of March 2023 (24% decrease).
- Children & Young People: 5,146 children on the waiting list (Norfolk Community Health Trust) and 1,770 (James Paget Hospital).
- Waiting list initiative set to move referrals to private providers to reduce delays.
- Funding & Service Development:
- Discussion on securing additional funding for diagnostic services.
- Letter sent to Norfolk & Waveney ICB requesting increased financial support.
- Concerns about the end of external contracts for adult autism assessments.
- Co-Production & Strategy Updates:
- Steering group formation underway, with expressions of interest invited.
- Updates on the Autism Strategy refresh, including plans for engagement with autistic individuals.
- Norfolk Autism Forum feedback highlighted the need for improved advocacy services.
- Communication & Accessibility Improvements:
- Agreement to co-produce future meeting slide decks with autistic members to improve accessibility.
- Board reviewed the use of “ASC” vs. “ASD” terminology, agreeing to maintain ASD while allowing individual preference.
- Approval of the Autism-Friendly Communication Toolkit, with the NAPB logo included.
- Other Key Announcements:
- SEND survey launched—members encouraged to promote participation.
- Awareness events for Carers Week (June) and Co-Production Week (July) announced.
Next Steps:
- Continue advocating for increased autism diagnosis funding.
- Advance the Autism Strategy refresh with community input.
- Improve accessibility of NAPB communications through co-production.
- Facilitate the next Norfolk Autism Forum on mental health.
Next Meeting: 18 July 2023, Microsoft Teams.
To read the full minutes click here