Agenda item

[Robert Hart, Head of Inclusion Support,  to present briefing paper which outlines the progress that has been achieved in the delivery of Wolverhampton’s Joint Autism Strategy.]

Rob Hart, Head of Inclusion Support, and Mags Court, Wolverhampton CCG, jointly presented the report. The report gives an update on the refresh of the Autism Strategy. The Head of Inclusion Support invited panel members to comment on the progress since it was approved in April 2017.

The Head of Inclusion Support advised the panel that strategy is a joint plan between City of Wolverhampton Council and Wolverhampton CCG. The Head of Inclusion Support advised the panel of the nine key objectives of the strategy and the linked priorities.

The Head of Inclusion advised the panel of events linked to Autism Awareness Week 2019 and the focus of the campaign was making small changes that can make a difference to the lives of people with autism.

Mags Court, Wolverhampton CCG, advised the panel of the work being done to improve the identification and assessment of people with a diagnosis of autism. The current focus of the work is children with the most complex needs.  Mags Court briefed the panel on range of work being done to bring people with autism closer to finding training and employment opportunities. To support this aim work is being done with employers that help create a more autism friendly settings. Mags Court commented on the concern of parents and carers about the issue of people in transition from children and adult support services and work being done to improve the situation.

The panel were advised that the Autism Partnership Board has representatives from experts by experience and carers who have been appointed to hold professionals responsible for delivering the strategy, to account.

The panel shared examples of the issues experienced by carers of people with a diagnosis of autism and particular concerns about the quality of provision in schools. The Head of Inclusion Support advised the panel that there is an outreach services which offers support to schools needing specialist provision. In addition, Head of Inclusion Support, advised the panel of a range of initiatives aimed at helping schools to better support pupils with autism. The work is being supported by funding from DFE which will increase capacity to support people with special educational needs.

Mags Court advised the panel that there is a recognition of the need to better diagnosis in order understand the needs of a person after their initial assessment and the importance of involving other professionals to better meet their changing needs. The aim of the approach is to create a ‘passport’ which details the needs of the person and also highlight the need for ongoing assessment. Mags Court commented on changes to diagnostic arrangements from April 2019 and the involvement of other professionals in the process. Mags Court commented on the work done to review the case history of people admitted to hospital to identify possible training opportunities and improve workforce development.

The panel while welcoming the strategy suggested that the document should also include examples which celebrate the achievements of people with a diagnosis of autism. The Head of Inclusion accepted this point and agreed to discuss the matter further at a future Autism Partnership Board meeting.

The panel discussed the issue of supporting people with autism needing an interpreter and the difficulties experienced by carers. The panel commented on the need to deliver the vision detailed in Autism Strategy for all Wolverhampton residents to benefit from the strategy. Mags Court advised the panel about work done to make changes to the service specification to improve the service and train staff.

The panel queried the support offered to landlords to raise awareness of the needs of people with autism and where to get advice to help people to stay independent. The Head of Inclusion Support advised that discussions have been held with colleagues of the need to involve Wolverhampton Homes to help support independent living that meets their sensory needs. The panel discussed concerns when children move from specialist school to secondary school and the anxiety of parents concerned about reduced levels of support.

The Head of Inclusion Support advised the panel of work done with members of the Autism Parents Group and colleges to support young people during the transition period. The panel discussed the benefit of learning school assistants in helping children with a diagnosis of autism and supported the idea of champions to raise awareness.

The panel discussed concerns about the exclusion either permanently or temporarily of pupils with a diagnosis of autism. The panel commented on the issue of pupils who experience bullying and the need for them to better support by schools. The Head of Inclusion Support advised the panel of the work of Autism Heads Group which is working to reduce the number of exclusions and also improve the behaviour. The work is being supported by Education Psychology service with the aim improving outcomes.

The panel the reasons for the increase in the number of cases of autism, which have estimated to have doubled during the past four years. The panel discussed if the cause was due to better diagnosis of cases or changes in criteria. The Head of Inclusion Support advised the panel that based on earlier research the rate of cases was 1:10,000 in 1980s, this figure has reduced to 1:1000 based on more recent research.  The increase in the number of cases is due to better diagnosis, improved understanding of the condition and better screening to identify people who previously would have been missed. The change in approach has been informed by guidance issued by NICE. The panel discussed the final implications as a result of more children being assessed as being autistic.

Resolved:

            The panel agreed to note the progress in the delivery of the Autism Strategy and changes to be made in the future.