Date & Venue:
Microsoft Teams (Online Meeting)
Key Highlights:
- Leadership & Governance Updates:
- Minutes and action log approved.
- Updates on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and NHS approach to private autism diagnosis discussed.
- Autism-related organization listings on the NAPB website placed on hold pending review.
- Diagnostic Updates:
- Adult Diagnosis: 634 adults on the waiting list as of May 2023.
- Children & Young People: 5,496 children on the waiting list (Norfolk Community Health Trust) and 1,137 (James Paget Hospital).
- 1,067 assessments completed in the past 12 months, with 867 done independently.
- Co-Production & Strategy Refresh:
- Development of Autism Strategy Reference Group to guide the strategy refresh.
- Opportunities for autistic individuals and carers to participate in co-production initiatives.
- New Autism Social Care Reference Group to improve information for social care assessments.
- Research & Service Development:
- UEA funding bid submitted for a research project evaluating the Norfolk Autism Adult Support Service.
- If unsuccessful, core elements of research will still be conducted.
- Talking Therapies & Mental Health Services:
- Upcoming procurement of Talking Therapies (Wellbeing Service) contract in 2024.
- Board invited to give feedback on accessibility, service improvements, and engagement methods.
- Oversight Board Priorities:
- Identified five key focus areas:
- Adult Social Care Assessments
- Mental Health Support
- Employment Support
- Autism Diagnosis
- Lived Experience in Schools
- Identified five key focus areas:
- Other Key Announcements:
- NAPB supporting Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training rollout.
- Board invited to contribute case studies on Care Act & financial assessments.
- Call for autistic members to present topics at future meetings.
Next Steps:
- Advance co-production efforts for Autism Strategy refresh.
- Continue reducing diagnostic waiting times and monitoring assessment rates.
- Promote participation in Talking Therapies consultation.
- Facilitate presentations from autistic members at future meetings.
Next Meeting: 28 September 2023, Microsoft Teams.
To read the full minutes click here