Norfolk Autism Partnership Board

Meeting summary

Norfolk Autism Partnership Board Meeting Summary
Meeting date: 25 March 2025
Venue: Microsoft Teams
Duration: 1pm to 3pm

Purpose of the Meeting
The Norfolk Autism Partnership Board (NAPB) met to discuss updates on autism diagnosis and support services in Norfolk, review progress on the Norfolk All Age Autism Strategy, and plan upcoming events such as Autism Acceptance Week 2025. The meeting included members from health, social care, policing, education, voluntary organisations, and individuals with lived experience of autism.

Main Updates and Discussions

Action Log and Data on Autism Assessments
The Board reviewed ongoing actions, including engagement with NHS England regarding inclusion of people without formal autism diagnoses in reviews. Updated data on the “Right to Choose” autism assessment pathway was presented. This data showed a large increase in assessments for children and young people over the last year, while adult assessments remained steady. The data reflects completed assessments and does not include those still waiting. Costs of assessments vary due to differences in provider charges. Plans are in place to continue monitoring and sharing this data regularly with the Board.

Diagnostics and Support Working Group
Due to commissioning changes and a new service provider, a review of the working group’s remit is underway. There is consideration to possibly include topics like mental health and ADHD in the group’s focus. Terms of reference will be created once the scope is finalised, and findings will be reported back to the Board.

Adult Autism Diagnosis and Support Service
Eligibility criteria and service availability were shared. The service offers assessments for Norfolk adults aged 18 and over without a prior autism diagnosis or learning disability. The February 2025 data showed 36 referrals, 28 new additions to the waiting list, and 1228 people waiting overall. Waiting times are very long for many, with some individuals waiting over 200 weeks. Reasons for fluctuating referral numbers remain unclear.

New Service Model for Autism Assessments
A new service model commissioned through ABL Health aims to provide the same or more assessments within existing budgets while improving the waiting experience. The model moves from a simple diagnostic approach to a “formulation assessment” that includes personalised recommendations for post-assessment support. It also includes a Navigation Service to help people manage the wait, coaching for daily challenges, peer support, and connection to existing resources.

Transition to the new provider is expected to be complete by 1 June 2025. The current lead commissioner will hand over responsibilities to Caron Ager at that time. The Board discussed the number of assessments contracted (240 per year), which is set by the funding available. Further discussions with the provider will aim to co-design realistic timeframes for assessment stages and improve communication materials for people undergoing assessment. Mental health services are expected to collaborate with the new provider regarding assessment formulation, and efforts will be made to clarify support pathways for those who do not receive a diagnosis.

Autism Strategy Progress
Progress updates on actions from the Norfolk All Age Autism Strategy were shared. The Strategy Oversight Group recently met and made recommendations to improve reporting clarity and the way new actions are added. The Board heard about positive progress such as the Local Supported Employment programme surpassing national targets, and prisons successfully implementing one-page profiles for autistic prisoners. Suggestions were made to recognise this positive work more formally, possibly through quarterly updates.

Concerns were raised about slow progress and unclear responsibility around mental health support actions. The Learning Disabilities and Autism team within the Integrated Care Board (ICB) does not have commissioning responsibility for mental health, which may limit their influence. The issue of transition from school to college is no longer included in the Local Area Inclusion Plan, with the focus having shifted to early years transitions. Possible escalation routes for these concerns were discussed, including raising issues with the ICB and Norfolk County Council Children's Services.

The Board agreed new autism strategy actions will be communicated to the Oversight Group and Board, with reporting on progress starting in the following cycle. At year-end, a “You Said, We Did” report will share achievements with the public. The Board also agreed to share the full progress update plan with partners while ensuring concerns are raised respectfully about organisations not present at reporting meetings. Regular reporting to the ICB Learning Disability and Autism Programme Board will continue every three months.

Autism Acceptance Week 2025
Plans for Autism Acceptance Week on 2 April 2025 at the Forum in Norwich were outlined. The event will celebrate autistic identity, creativity, and community. There will be a Makers Market featuring 12 autistic creators, 15 support organisations, autistic performers, panel discussions on topics such as intersectionality and special interests, and art and literature activities. Quiet rooms and accessibility features will be available. Board members were encouraged to attend, meet contributors, and support the event.

Other Business and Next Meeting
The Board confirmed its participation in Autism Acceptance Week with the event “NOW That’s What I Call Autism! 2025.” The meeting closed with thanks from the co-chairs.

Future Meeting Dates
The Board’s next meetings are scheduled for:
Tuesday 27 May 2025, 1pm to 3pm
Tuesday 29 July 2025, 1pm to 3pm
Tuesday 30 September 2025, 1pm to 3pm
Tuesday 25 November 2025, 1pm to 3pm

Actions and Next Steps

Lee Gibbons to invite ABL Health to join the Norfolk Autism Partnership Board and the Diagnosis and Support Working Group from 1 June 2025.
Caron Ager to continue providing regular updates on Right to Choose autism assessments data and to explore comparison data with other diagnostic pathways.
Tracey Walton to support transition from current autism service to ABL Health by 1 June 2025 and to facilitate mental health service engagement with ABL Health regarding assessment formulation.
Norfolk Autism Partnership Board Steering Group to decide on escalation regarding mental health support actions and appropriate ICB engagement.
Children’s Services senior manager for education to join the Board in May 2025 to discuss transition concerns.
Strategy Oversight Group to continue monitoring progress, requesting updates from action owners by 11 April 2025, and preparing progress reports for the ICB.
Board members to consider ways to recognise positive strategy progress and achievements.
Board members encouraged to attend and support Autism Acceptance Week event on 2 April 2025.

This summary reflects the key points discussed at the Norfolk Autism Partnership Board meeting on 25 March 2025 and aims to provide accessible information to the public and stakeholders.