The Norfolk Autism Partnership Board (NAPB) met to discuss service updates, strategy progress, and upcoming activities to support autistic people in Norfolk.
Key Discussions:
- Adult Autism Diagnosis and Support:
- 1,228 adults are currently waiting for an autism assessment.
- A new service model was introduced with a stronger focus on needs-led support, including a Navigation Service.
- ABL Health will take over the autism service from 1 June 2025.
- The Right to Choose pathway data shows a large rise in child assessments; adult assessment rates remain stable.
- Right to Choose Pathway Analysis:
- Significant growth in child assessments.
- Cost variations between providers explained.
- Further analysis underway comparing Right to Choose and NHS pathways.
- Strategy Progress Updates:
- Year One Plan now streamlined, focusing on actions and clear deadlines.
- Good progress seen in employment support and prison initiatives.
- Concerns raised over mental health action delivery and post-school transition work.
- Routes for Escalation:
- NAPB Steering Group to consider raising mental health concerns to the Integrated Care Board.
- Autism Acceptance Week 2025 – Now That’s What I Call Autism!:
- Event on 2nd April 2025 at The Forum, Norwich.
- Featuring 12 autistic creators, 4 performances, and panel discussions celebrating autistic identity.
- Board members are encouraged to attend and support the event.
- Other Updates:
- Autistica report “Not a Priority” discussed.
- New processes agreed for reporting new actions under the Autism Strategy.
- Quarterly reporting to the Learning Disability and Autism Programme Board confirmed.
Upcoming Events & Initiatives:
- 2 April 2025: Now That’s What I Call Autism! – Autism Acceptance Week celebration.
- 1 June 2025: ABL Health to commence delivery of adult autism diagnostic services in Norfolk.
- Ongoing: Collection of updated Right to Choose pathway data.
Next Meeting 📅
Tuesday 27 May 2025 | 13:00–15:00
To read the full minutes, click here