Written question WQ92617
- Asked by
- Gareth DaviesConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 13 days
Question
Will the Cabinet Secretary outline what research the Welsh Government is undertaking regarding the increased diagnosis rates of autism spectrum disorder in Wales?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Mental Health and Early Years
Our Neurodivergence Improvement Programme is working to understand the unprecedented rise in demand for autism assessment, which will impact on diagnosis rates. Our immediate focus is on improving access to needs-based early help and support, which is not dependent on diagnostic services.
To support the delivery of high-quality and timely neurodivergence services we have established a clinical advisory group to provide expert advice. We are also working closely with children’s neurodivergence services and the integrated autism service for adults to address the challenges of meeting rising demand.
The NHS Executive’s performance and assurance team has recently completed a quality assurance review of children’s neurodivergence services and each health board has an individual report and recommendations for improvement in planning and delivering neurodivergence services.