Services for Adults with autism in Kirklees

Healthwatch Calderdale investigated issues being raised by a number of people in Calderdale and Kirklees with diagnosed or undiagnosed Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC), with regards to the services they were being offered.

Information obtained from 3 ASC support groups and 19 completed surveys from adults with ASC and 16 from the parents, partners, or carers of adults with ASC, all based in Kirklees.

Key concerns raised included:

• Lack of GP awareness and understanding about autism

• Difficulties getting GPs to refer the person with ASC for assessment

• Long waiting times for assessments and diagnosis

• Lack of clinical support post diagnosis

• Mental health services and lack of understanding of autism

• GPs with a poor understanding about female ASC traits

• Positive feedback regarding examples of support from Community Psychiatric Nurses (CPNs) and Care Workers

Improve experiences:

• Easier access to diagnostic services and shorter waiting times

• Better education and awareness about ASC for GPs, practice staff and the public

• Access to a Social Worker specialising in ASC with the right skills and understanding

• Support from people they know and can trust

• Autism friendly places and safe zones

• Crisis support when it is needed

• Long term autism support for a lifelong developmental condition

• A range or menu of options for people with ASC to choose from

• Accessible and varied peer support groups and courses for people with ASC

Recommendations:

• Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to use the feedback from people with ASC to help design and commission better services

• How to make GP practices more ASC friendly, including use of the Royal College of GP’s new toolkit of resources

• Review the mental health support available in Kirklees as suitable for adults with ASC, or whether adaptations need to be made to enable them to access mental health services, including timely support in a crisis

• Identification and flagging up of parents, partners and carers of people with ASC so that they can receive extra support if they need it.