AQW 8816/22-27


Mrs Diane Dodds
Democratic Unionist Party
Upper Bann


Tabled Date: 13/03/2024
Answered On Date: 28/03/2024
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on waiting times for an autism spectrum disorder assessment.


Answer:
My Department is aware of the extensive waiting lists for autism assessment and the challenges that this presents to those people who need support. At 31 December there was 11,013 children on the paediatric ASD diagnostic assessment waiting list, the longest wait was 4 years and 6 months. On the same date there was 3,117 adults awaiting ASD diagnostic assessment, 1,935 of these were waiting longer than 52weeks.
The Department has recently published the cross-departmental Autism Strategy 2023-2028 including an action plan for implementation.
Over the last six months, my staff have held meetings with all Trusts to chart the existing referral and assessment routes for paediatric ASD. After completing this mapping exercise, officials are collaborating with colleagues from the Public Health Agency and Community Child Health to establish a standardised pathway across the region that aligns with NICE guidelines. The development of this pathway will incorporate best practices, emerging evidence, and the understanding that effective workforce planning is essential in meeting the demands.
The Autism Strategy 2023 – 2028 Delivery Plan (2023-2025) includes an action to consult on, and finalise, the Children and Young People’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing Framework which will guide future development of services. The strategy and the Framework embrace a move towards understanding Autism within a broader neurodevelopmental approach and incorporate a regionally consistent single point of referral and diagnostic pathway.
A Review of Adult Autism provision across the region has been undertaken and the recommendations were presented to the Permanent Secretary. One of the recommendations is the appointment of a Lead for Adult Autism provision - recruitment of this post is currently underway. This role will be responsible for taking forward the recommendations emerging from the review; this will include the management of waiting lists for adult autism assessment.
Department of Health officials are keeping the situation regarding the commissioning of Autism services under review, recognising that the demand for assessment and diagnosis has risen in recent years. In line with the usual process for commissioning of services, any decision to commission services in the future will be based on an assessment of the level of demand for services, and in the context of future budget availability and Ministerial priorities.