The Department of Health requires authorities to report on their progress in autism strategy (adult only) through self-assessment, and states that each local authority should have an ‘Autism lead’.
i.What are your authority’s published referral pathways for children or young people with suspected ASD, including response timescales and agencies involved in making an assessment and diagnosis?
The referral pathways are currently being reviewed as part of the modernisation programme and recommissioning of services to disabled children. Currently all enquiries for children with suspected ASD would go through the SPA (Single point of access) provided by a commissioned service via Virgin Care Limited and be allocated to the relevant locality team or specialist service.
ii. Does the authority have a connection with at least one trained clinician able to diagnose ASD in babies and toddlers (age 3 and under)?
Diagnosis is not a county council responsibility, therefore we do not hold that information. Clinical services able to diagnose ASD in babies and toddlers would be commissioned by Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG’s)
iii. Who is your Autism lead as set out by the Department of Health?
Devon County Council has a lead officer for autism for adults – Rebecca Hudson – senior commissioning manager, disabilities and mental health
iv. How many children in your authority’s area of jurisdiction were diagnosed with autism or Asperger’s syndrome every year for the last three years? E.g. 2015 xxx amount, 2016 xx amount,2017 xxx amount.
We do not hold this information.
v. How many members of full-time staff (or the equivalent in part-time staff) employed by the council are tasked with diagnosing ASD in young people?
None – diagnosis is not a county council responsibility.
vi. How many members of full-time staff (or the equivalent in part-time staff) employed by the council are tasked with diagnosing ASD in adults?
None – diagnosis is not a county council responsibility.
vii. Which agencies in the local authority’s control are involved in the diagnosis and care for children with suspected autism or Asperger’s syndrome?
There are commissioned organisations involved in the care of children with suspected autism or Asperger’s syndrome as part of a broader range of services to support children through short breaks or children in care – for example via Virgin Care Limited and Action for Children. These organisations are commissioned to provide services on behalf of the local authority.
viii. Which agencies in the local authority’s control are involved in the diagnosis and care for children with a confirmed diagnosis of autism or Asperger’s syndrome
Please see the answer to Question vii.