Written question WQ95464

In July 2022, we published a demand and capacity review of existing services. In response, an additional £12 million of investment was made available in the Neurodivergence Improvement Programme to reduce the immense pressures in the system, to increase capacity and to address gaps in current provision, up to March 2025.

In November 2023, we published the first phase of an independent evaluation of the 2021 Code of Practice on Autism Services. This review assessed compliance with the Code and provided improvement recommendations. The phase one report is available on our website, and each Regional Partnership Board has received compliance recommendations. Phase two will be completed later this year.

To fully understand the current challenges in the system, the NHS Executive Performance and Assurance team is working closely with each health board to identify how to improve services quickly and to reduce waiting times. Up to March 2025 we have also made an additional £3m available to increase capacity in children’s assessment services, to reduce the longest waits.

As part of our Neurodivergence Improvement Programme we held an accelerated design event in November 2024 aimed at improving children’s ND services by creating an integrated approach involving all partners including education. As we re-design services we will ensure that all parts of the system are engaged and working together to support families.