Replacing the Autism pathway for 5 - 18 year olds across South Tees

HW South Tees adopted autism and learning disability as a local priority following consultations in 2019, to support implementation of the NHS Long Term Plan.

In June 2019, HW South Tees included their local intelligence in a consultation report, contributing to the development of a national Core Capabilities Framework to train and raise awareness of autism and learning disability with all relevant professionals.

HW South Tees have continued to build on dialogue with parent carers and young people to ensure those with lived experiences are at the forefront of shaping local provision. Joint conversations have taken place across a range of partners to develop a new pathway for children with autism and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), aged between 5 and 18, which will replace the current autism pathway from 1 April 2021.  Tees Valley Clinical Commissioning Group (TVCCG) are leading these changes.

New ways of working will involve a ‘needs led’ approach, providing a ‘Bubble of Support’ for families, from the point of referral and throughout this age span.  TVCCG provided information about the new pathway. As an independent stakeholder within these partnerships, HW South Tees were asked to engage with parent carers about their experiences of the current pathway, so that family experiences directly influence the new pathway.  This work was undertaken during October 2020.