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<p>An assessment of the adequacy of the number of professionals able to offer pre-school
autism assessments in Leeds is not currently planned. 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 services,
in line with relevant clinical guidelines.</p><p>The West Yorkshire ICB advises that
pre-school autism assessments in Leeds were temporarily stopped due to a shortage
of professionals. The service remains suspended as it needs one full time equivalent
clinical psychologist. The post has recently been recruited, and plans are in place
for the service to reopen by the end of June 2024.</p><p>Nationally, we are taking
steps to improve autism assessment services. NHS England published a national framework
and operational guidance for autism assessment services on 5 April 2023. These documents
are intended to help the National Health Service improve autism assessment services,
and improve the experience for adults and children who are going through an autism
assessment. They also set out what support should be available before an assessment,
and what support should follow a recent diagnosis of autism.</p>
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