| answer text |
<p>We recognise timely identification of autism can play an important role in enabling
children and young people to get appropriate support, which is crucial in preventing
escalation of needs. We expect integrated care boards (ICBs) to have due regard to
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on autism when
commissioning services. It is the responsibility of ICBs to make available appropriate
provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population in line with
these NICE guidelines, including in relation to autism assessment. While we want every
area to meet NICE guidance, we recognise that this is not happening everywhere.</p><p>On
5 April 2023, NHS England published a national framework and operational guidance
for autism assessment services in an online-only format. This guidance will help the
National Health Service improve autism assessment services and improve the experience
for people referred to an autism assessment service. This includes guidance to local
areas on how to manage referrals and the support that should be available whilst people
are waiting for an assessment and after.</p><p>In 2023/2024, £4.2 million of funding
is available across England to improve services for autistic children and young people,
including autism assessment services. We are also working in partnership with the
Department for Education and NHS England on ‘Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity
in School’ (PINS), with £13 million of funding to test ideas that will improve access
to specialist support for neurodiverse children in mainstream primary schools.</p><p>Each
ICB in England is expected to have an Executive Lead for learning disability and autism,
supporting the Board in planning to meet the needs of its local population of people
with a learning disability and autistic people, including in relation to appropriate
autism assessment pathways. NHS England has published guidance on these roles.</p>
|
|
