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Written question asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 September 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 September 2024. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Thursday, 12 September 2024 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Autism: Diagnosis

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to improve (1) the diagnosis of autism, and (2) support for those who are assessed as having autism.

Answer

The Department is currently considering the next steps to improving diagnostic assessment and support for autistic people. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including autism assessment and support services, in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.

On 5 April 2023, NHS England published a national framework and operational guidance to deliver improved outcomes in all-age autism assessment pathways. This guidance will help ICBs and the National Health Service to deliver improved outcomes for children, young people, and adults referred to an autism assessment service. The guidance also sets out what support should be available before an assessment, and what support should follow a recent diagnosis of autism, based on the available evidence.

In 2024/25, £4.3 million is available nationally to improve services for autistic children and young people, including autism assessment services.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL759
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Autism Diagnosis Standards
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk