The Norfolk Autism Partnership Board (NAPB) met to discuss service updates, strategy progress, and upcoming activities to support autistic people in Norfolk.
Agenda Items / Discussions & Decisions
1. Pre-Meeting Support & Admin
- Pre-meeting support was provided.
- Meeting minutes and action log were approved.
- Communication protocols and code of conduct reminders were shared.
2. Adult Autism Diagnosis Waiting List
- 1231 adults waiting for assessment as of March 2025.
- Breakdown includes 71 waiting over 200 weeks.
- 12 assessments completed in March 2025.
- Discussion deferred due to absence of the lead (Tracey Walton).
- Action: Diagnosis Working Group and Board to decide on future format for reporting data.
3. Working Group Restructure
- Proposal approved to split the current group into two:
- Diagnosis Working Group
- Support Pathways Working Group
- Most attendees focus on one area, so dual attendance was considered manageable.
Actions:
- Draft Terms of Reference for both groups (Lee Gibbons – due 29 July 2025)
- Appoint Group Lead for Support Pathways (Completed: 17 June 2025)
4. Autism Strategy – Year 1 Progress Review
- Good progress:
- “Now That’s What I Call Autism” event (April 2)
- Short Breaks funding expanded
- Bure Prison peer-led activities with autistic input
- Concerns:
- No updates on mental health or school-related actions
- Mental health support remains lacking
- Staff turnover in Children’s Services noted
Actions & Escalations:
- Steering Group to decide if escalation to ICB is needed
- Updates requested from action owners (by 13 June 2025) for reporting to:
- Learning Disability and Autism Programme Board (24 July 2025)
- NAPB Strategy Oversight Group (12 May 2025 meeting)
- NAPB next meeting (7 July 2025)
5. Autism Intensive Support Service
- New service introduced for autistic individuals aged 18–25 with co-morbid mental illness.
- One-year pilot with caseload of 15 users.
- Aims to reduce emergency care reliance, offer assertive support, and provide staff consultation/training.
- Inclusion criteria to extend to those awaiting a diagnosis.
- Quarterly reporting planned.
Action:
- Schedule a follow-up discussion at a future board meeting.
6. The Real Care Deal
- Presentation by Curators of Change on a new digital platform showcasing real-life stories from autistic individuals.
- Focus: Improving mutuality and ethics in social care relationships.
- Accessibility features: Video/audio/text, easy-read content, translation tools.
- Launch planned for June 2025, with events on 18–19 June and 9 July.
Action:
- Real Care Deal team to attend Norfolk Autism Forum session when site goes live.
7. Young People Autism Advisory Group Proposal
- Proposal approved to create a youth advisory group (ages 11–18).
- Meetings bi-monthly, with 9 young people already interested.
- Formal feedback process to NAPB included.
8. AOB & Announcements
- Reasonable adjustments in GP practices discussed.
- Interest to be gathered for a working group.
- Maria Karretti to coordinate.
- TK announced retirement as Co-Chair but will remain on the Board.
- Report concerns regarding malpractice were raised by a parent – follow-up required.
- Action: Lee Gibbons to follow up on the Dr Shadi case.
- Action: Connect Jo Royal and Laura Edwards regarding the Autism Experience project.
Next Meeting
Tuesday 29th July 2025 | 13:00–15:00
To read the full minutes, click here