Implementing the Adult Autism Strategy MQNF Workshop Nadine Baggaley, Commissioning Manager Staffordshire County Council

What is Autism? Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over or under sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.

What is Aspergers? Asperger Syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language. Other terms: Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC) Autistic Spectrum Difference Neuro-diversity

ASD Population The latest prevalence studies of autism indicate that 1.1% of the population in the UK may have autism. This means that over 695,000 people in the UK may have autism. In Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent this equates to an estimated population of 10,048 people with Autism.

Background National Autism Act 2009 Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives (2010): The Strategy for Adults who have Autism in England Think Autism (update April 2014) Children and Families Act 2014 Care Act (National Autistic Society)

Background Local Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Adult Autism Partnership Board Consultation Sept 2014 – All Age Autism Strategy (3 year) Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) CCG investment SCC restructure

What do our ASD population say? Consultation… Staff in public services including the criminal justice system need a greater awareness and understanding of autism Professionals need to listen to people who have autism their families and carers Support for young people moving from childhood to adulthood Ease of diagnosis Practical support for housing issues with support plans identifying housing needs and how these needs could be met People who have autism should be involved in the construction of the care pathway Support into employment Parents and carers of people who have autism need information and advice on benefits and services and help to get these Recognition that autism is a very individual condition – one size does not fit all

Implementing the Adult Autism Strategy Ensuring Preventative Support Diagnosis & Care Pathway People with Complex Needs or whose Behaviour may Challenge Planning & Leadership Criminal Justice Employment Transition Training

ASD Staffordshire Diagnosis & Care Pathway What does the strategy and statutory guidance say? E.g.

HOWWHO WHEN Diagnosis & Care Pathway

Workshop Activity Using the handouts provided choose an area(s) of particular interest based on your experience and consider: How this guidance can be put in to practice? For example, Who should be involved? What mechanisms / services / networks are already in place which can be adapted or utilised? What you would like to see in addition to the guidance