Norfolk Autism Partnership Board

Meeting summary

Norfolk Autism Partnership Board Meeting Summary
Date: 17 January 2023
Venue: Microsoft Teams

Purpose of the Meeting
The Norfolk Autism Partnership Board (NAPB) meeting brought together a range of partners and representatives from statutory, voluntary, and community sectors. The meeting focused on updates related to autism support services, diagnostic waiting times, strategy planning, and the future direction of the partnership. The meeting aimed to share information, gather feedback, and plan next steps to improve services and support for autistic people across Norfolk.

Main Updates and Discussions

Autism Norfolk Forum Update
An update was provided on the Autism Norfolk Forum held on 14 December 2022, focusing on the new Early Support Service. This service aims to offer early social care help tailored to individual needs. The forum had 34 attendees and included presentations by Tracey Walton and Karen Dures. Participants discussed what the new service should include, highlighting a need for visual information, employment and training support, advocacy, mental health support, assistance with forms, and access based on individual need. It was noted that a single point of contact would be helpful for service users. Those interested in future involvement in shaping the service have been invited to get in touch. The next Autism Norfolk Forum is scheduled for 22 March 2023, with the topic focusing on Advocacy.

Diagnostic Waiting Times
Tracey Walton provided detailed information about waiting times for autism diagnostic assessments in Norfolk and Waveney. There are two main neurodevelopmental teams involved: Norfolk Community Health and Care, and the Newberry Clinic at James Paget Hospital. As of November 2022, nearly 4,500 children were waiting for assessment under Norfolk Community Health and Care, with many waiting more than one to two years. At the Newberry Clinic, there were over 1,200 people waiting for assessments and initial appointments, facing waits averaging 16 months.

For adults, Autism Service Norfolk is responsible for many referrals, receiving 969 in the last year alone, with 860 adults waiting and 66 new referrals per month. A post-diagnostic support package is available for up to 12 months after diagnosis. The Waveney area, which operates through a spot purchase arrangement, currently has no waiting list.

A triage and priority assessment process was explained. People waiting longest are prioritised, but urgent cases (such as issues affecting employment or relationships) can be fast-tracked via GP referral. There was also mention of significant funding—£2 million—being made available to address waiting lists. New services for children and young people will focus on three age groups and aim to start in April 2023. Adult service funding has been used to commission external diagnostic providers through March 2023.

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Update
Unfortunately, there was no update on PDA work at this meeting as the relevant representatives were unavailable. An action was agreed to request a written update.

Autism Strategy
The meeting noted that the current Autism Strategy is due for renewal in 2024. The strategy sets out nine priorities aimed at improving life for autistic people in Norfolk. The Partnership Board was encouraged to reflect on progress so far, the partnership’s impact, and whether priorities should remain the same or change. They were also asked to consider how to engage with autistic people and their carers to influence the new strategy. It was confirmed that the Norfolk Autism Partnership would continue to help develop the next strategy.

Future of the Partnership Board
Discussion took place around the direction and role of the Norfolk Autism Partnership Board now that it is fully independent from Norfolk County Council. Lee Gibbons of ASD Helping Hands now manages and runs the partnership. Ideas included creating a mission statement to clarify what the partnership is, the goals it aims to achieve, and how it plans to do so. Discussion points included whether to align with national autism priorities, keep the partnership focused simply on improving futures for people affected by autism in Norfolk, and recognise the dual role of influencing and challenging partners.

To progress this, the board agreed to form a task and finish group to consider the future work and influence of the partnership. Members interested in joining this group were invited to express interest by the end of January 2023.

Other Updates and Information
Work is ongoing to improve the accessibility of the Norfolk Autism Partnership website to meet government accessibility standards, with temporary downtime expected during the update work. The partnership is also supporting local library services in organising autism-related events for adults, children, and young people across multiple libraries in Norfolk.

Rebecca Crossley highlighted a need for Norfolk County Council staff to attend neurodevelopment stakeholder meetings to provide expertise and help fill gaps. She will work with Tracey Walton to identify the best colleagues to attend. A concern about the process of NHS ratification of private autism diagnoses was raised, and this will be added to a future agenda, including a presentation and discussion on risks and partnership asks.

Family Voice shared news of a conference scheduled for 11 March 2023 for parents and carers of young people with Special Educational Needs, including talks and workshops. Norfolk County Council also announced SENDfest, a SEND event planned for 17 June 2023 at Easton College, featuring vocational activities, marketplace stands, and music service involvement. More information on SENDfest will be shared when available.

Actions and Next Steps
Contact details of those wishing to be involved in shaping the Early Support Service to be passed to Tracey Walton for follow-up.
Lee Gibbons to request a written update on PDA work from the relevant officers.
Board members to consider priorities and engagement strategies for the 2024 Autism Strategy renewal.
Interested members to join a task and finish group to explore the partnership’s future direction by 31 January 2023.
Lee Gibbons and the digital accessibility officer to work together to improve website accessibility.
Tracey Walton and Rebecca Crossley to coordinate regarding council representation at neurodevelopment stakeholder meetings.
Rebecca Crossley to facilitate discussions around the NHS diagnosis ratification process and associated risks for a future meeting.
Maxine Blocksidge to circulate information about SENDfest when available.

Dates of Upcoming Meetings
Norfolk Autism Forum: 22 March 2023 (Online via Zoom)
Norfolk Autism Partnership Board: 14 March 2023 (Online via Microsoft Teams)

Glossary terms and attendees were recorded for reference.

This summary reflects the matters discussed and actions agreed at the Norfolk Autism Partnership Board meeting held on 17 January 2023. It is intended to provide a clear and accessible overview for the public and stakeholders interested in autism support and partnership working in Norfolk.