Minutes:
4.1 Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum
Disorders (ASD)
Members received an overview of the Strategic Plan
for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) as detailed in the circulated report.
Discussion took place on the multi-agency approach needed
to ensure that Children and Adults with ASD receive the support needed. It was confirmed that the Director of Social
Services, Health and Housing is the lead officer for the Autism Plan. Members
asked that a Joint Scrutiny Committee be arranged with Social Care, Health and
Wellbeing and the Education, Skills and Culture Scrutiny Committees to ensure
that Members of both Scrutiny Committees are aware of the Plan and the impact
of budget proposals across Directorates.
Members queried how the Pathway to Diagnosis works
and how do service users access the service? Officers explained that
Children/Young People would be identified in schools and a referral submitted.
With the under 5’s the Health Visitor would refer to Paediatrics’. Members
asked did the process take a long-time. Officers explained that they don’t have
the data on timescales presently but would circulate the data to Members but
that the timescales are improving but can still take a long time.
Members asked if a more detailed description of
other conditions could be added to the plan.
In addition, when it states that ASD Services need strengthening what
services are being referred too.
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Members asked in relation to waiting times for an assessment by
psychologist or psychiatrist, how long and how many are still waiting and what
is the recommended timescale. Officers explained they will get the
information circulated to them. Members asked Officers if the following information could be provided. ·
How many of these pupils have been excluded
in the interim of waiting an assessment. |
Members queried how long did children/young people
have to wait after a referral had been submitted?
Officers explained that at the point of identifying
the need for a referral other services are put in place to support all the
needs of the child/young person so the child/young person is not left without
support.
Members queried whether private child care
providers were included in any training and were they able to refer children?
Officers explained that the Raising Awareness
Campaign is starting in Flying Start areas and private nursery providers to
raise their awareness.
Members asked how are parents/carers selected to
sit on the Steering Group. How do we ensure that there are a variety of parents/carers
points of view listened to. Officers explained that there are a range of
parents group that have been consulted, events have been held to raise
awareness and parents are also encouraged to contact the service directly with
their views.
Members asked what impact will the Plan have on
adult diagnosis and what support would be given after that diagnosis to support
them with employment?
Officers advised that there is currently support
available from many services. They provide a variety of support and undertake
home visits when required and provide support in the workplace, whatever
support is needed.
Members were concerned that all areas of Neath Port
Talbot County Borough are able to access these services and asked Officers to
monitor that this is taking place.
Members asked by raising awareness, the numbers of
referrals being increased and more diagnosis being received are there enough
staff in schools to support this increase.
Officers advised that it’s Education to decide on
budget allocations but discussion take place between Education and Social
Services colleagues to ensure that there is a consistency of service between
both Directorates. In addition,
discussions take place with Senior Officers to ensure that funding is in place
and that there are no implications on Budget proposals across Directorates.
Members asked what happens to children who are
referred if their behaviour in schools deteriorates and the schools only option
is to exclude them from school? Officers explained that any child that is
suffering distress whether waiting for diagnosis or not Children’s Services
intervene to make that child’s life better. Once an assessment takes place
Children’s Services provides support for the needs of that child, if necessary
a support worker would be put in the school to support that child.
In addition, schools also have Specialist
Educational Units that are used to support children.
Members asked if the timescales for accessing
Specialist Educational Unit and the numbers of units within the County Borough
that are full to capacity could be circulated to Members.
Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report
be noted.