Date & Venue:
Microsoft Teams (Online Meeting)
Key Highlights:
- Leadership & Governance Updates:
- Minutes and action log approved.
- Updates on the Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) discussion and inclusion of autism organizations on the website postponed.
- Awaiting updates on autistic representation in the Learning Disability & Autism (LD&A) Partnership Board.
- Diagnostic Updates:
- Adult Diagnosis: 829 adults on the waiting list (48% increase).
- Children & Young People: 5,954 on the waiting list (Norfolk Community Health Trust) and 1,435 (James Paget Hospital).
- Efforts underway to re-engineer adult autism diagnostic pathways and increase assessment rates.
- Concerns raised about GP awareness of Right to Choose options for autism assessments.
- Autism Strategy Reference Group:
- Developing autism-friendly communication tools and questionnaires to gather autistic perspectives.
- 137 completed responses received from engagement efforts.
- Carers Voice to help ensure carer perspectives are included in the strategy refresh.
- Norfolk Autism Adult Support Service Research Project:
- Funded by the Integrated Care Board (ICB), running from October 2023 – March 2024.
- Aims to measure autistic adults’ well-being and inform long-term service funding bids.
- Five autistic people on the advisory group; first meeting held on 29 November 2023.
- Coalition for Change & Cawston Park Legacy Work:
- Coalition established post-Cawston Park to promote “Homes not Hospitals” and drive systemic change.
- Proposal for NAPB to join the coalition—a vote will be held.
- Emphasis on ensuring co-production includes individuals with lived experience of locked provision.
- Autism & Mental Health Resources:
- New reference guide for families in Norfolk & Waveney to be widely distributed (GPs, schools, health systems).
- Autism & Mental Health briefing reviewed and approved for NAPB website publication.
- Discussion on developing a similar guide for autistic adults.
- Other Key Announcements:
- Work experience opportunity for an autistic student—NAPB to help find placements.
- Next meeting: 30 January 2024 (Microsoft Teams).
Next Steps:
- Continue efforts to reduce diagnostic waiting times and improve GP awareness.
- Analyze Autism Strategy engagement data and refine priorities.
- Support the Norfolk Autism Adult Support Service research project.
- Finalize NAPB’s decision on joining the Coalition for Change.
Next Meeting: 30 January 2024, Microsoft Teams.
To read the full minutes click here