Agenda item

A circulated report was supplemented by a presentation from Alison Cole, WCC Senior Joint Commissioner for Disabilities and Autism. The report provided an update on the development of the joint Warwickshire and Coventry All Age Autism Strategy and an outline of activities being progressed to support delivery of the strategy.

Background and context were provided about autism, the statutory responsibilities of local authorities and clinical commissioning groups and the collaborative approach to developing a joint all age strategy for autistic people.

Subsequent sections focussed on the prevalence of autism and strategy development. The strategy was informed by a range of co-production and mapping activity. The report highlighted findings from the co-production and based on this evidence, five priority areas had been identified:

• Support autistic people and people with social, communication and emotional health needs to help themselves pre and post diagnosis
• Reduce inequalities for autistic people and make Coventry and Warwickshire autism friendly places to live
• Develop a range of organisations locally with the skills to support autistic people
• Develop the all age autism specialist support offer
• Co-produce, work together and learn about autism

The report included sections on delivery of the strategy objectives and priority actions for delivery in 2020/21. A copy of the draft autism strategy had been appended to the report.

The presentation covered the following areas:

• A video clip from the National Autistic Society https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lk4qs8jGN4U
• Why do we need a five-year strategy?
• Key messages from co-production and research
• The five key priority areas (detailed above)
• 2020/21 Activity

Questions and comments were invited, with responses provided as indicated:

·       A question concerning the aim to reduce the number of education and healthcare plans required. This would require autism training and it was asked how many schools had trained all staff to level one and/or level two of the Autism Education Trust programme. Ross Caws responded that 125 schools had undertaken level 1 training, with 24 doing the level 2 training. This comprised some 3572 people. There were a total of 247 schools in Warwickshire. Discussion about the endeavours being made with the remaining schools, whilst noting that this training was not mandatory, but there were continued efforts to offer it.

·       There was an under-representation of the prevalence of autism in females and diagnosis tools were more effective at diagnosing autism in males. Questions and points about how to ensure effective diagnosis for females, the relative responsiveness of Warwickshire compared to other areas, the plethora of evidence on national autism forums and the long waiting lists for diagnosis. There was a need for more resources and questions were submitted on planned measures to address current delays.  A written response would be provided after the meeting about gender and diagnosis.

·       People were reluctant to disclose autism. It was not a learning disability, and people feared prejudice and ignorance. There needed to be more emphasis on educating and training wider society. Officers agreed that not all autistic people wanted to be considered as people with a learning disability. This needed to be part of a campaign to raise awareness of autism.

·       It was further confirmed there was a drive to bring down waiting times given the benefit from receiving a diagnosis, especially in terms of accessing support peer groups. Promoting an autism friendly society was welcomed.

·       A concern about delays in diagnosis, which was seen as key to receiving support. In schools, indicators of autism may be considered as poor behaviour.  Ali Cole acknowledged the importance of diagnosis. She spoke about lower diagnosis rates in females who were less likely to have challenging behaviours in class. The difficulty was the demand for referrals exceeded by four times the commissioned services and there was a national specialist workforce shortage.

·       For some people with less complex conditions, support was being provided without a formal diagnosis.  This service was provided by CW Mind for both children and adults. It focussed on the tools and techniques to assist people, their families and schools. Another aspect was looking at the wider workforce, to see how with training they could undertake the diagnosis, without reference to a specialist service. 

·       A member suggested writing to the CCG regarding the commissioning of this area. Jamie Soden of C&RCCG responded, emphasising the points regarding the national workforce shortage and even if commissioning was increased, there were not the staff to undertake the diagnosis work.

·       Reference to peer networks and the types of activity which could help people to help each other. Zoe Hutchinson provided further information. It comprised games, skills and crafts. Social activities comprised a mix of males and females of varying ages with specific interests. They worked collectively, but also with some having support with social skills to be able to join these groups and they could attend without a formal diagnosis.

·       A concern for young adults who couldn’t maintain employment. An example was given of a person who had not received support from previous employers but following diagnosis they had developed their own strategies. Ahead of a formal diagnosis, self-recognition and developing strategies could help. This example was reinforced from evidence during the co-production research for the strategy and this was why it included an aspect on autism friendly communities. A commitment could be made by the county council and health partners across the area to be more autism friendly employers. Ross Caws spoke about supported internships, as part of SEND, to help young people into employment. This included events hosted by the County Council and the establishment of an employers’ forum.

·       Establishing information networks. This had worked effectively for people with dementia and may also be of assistance for people with autism.

• A question of whether autism training for teachers would become mandatory. Where young people were not diagnosed and were treated incorrectly in school, this had a negative impact and could create further mental health difficulties. Ali Cole clarified this concerned NHS or social care areas, rather than schools. Ross Caws spoke about a project through the SEND programme and whilst training could not be made mandatory, an expectation could be set and guidance be provided on the support required.

The Chair suggested a further update to this joint committee in July 2021.

Resolved

That the Joint Committee notes the progress to date on developing the joint all age Autism Strategy for Warwickshire and Coventry.