Skip to main content

Written question asked by Lord Bradley (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 January 2015, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 4 February 2015. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Tuesday, 3 February 2015 on behalf of the Department of Health.


Autism

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to improve the identification and assessment of (1) children, and (2) adults, with autism.

Answer

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence clinical guideline, Recognition, referral and diagnosis of children and young people on the autism spectrum aims to improve the diagnosis, and experience of children, young people and those who care for them. It recommends the establishment of multidisciplinary autism teams in local areas. Health Education England has developed the online MindED portal, which contains learning resources for enhancing the effectiveness of working with children, young people, and young adults who are on the autistic spectrum.

The draft statutory guidance on implementing the updated Adult Autism Strategy sets out the Government’s intention to require health bodies to develop adult autism diagnostic pathways. NHS England is planning to use their local audit teams to provide assurance that the diagnostic process is suitable.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL4328
Session
2014-15
Subjects
Autism Diagnosis
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk