Inconsistencies in autism support leads to cross-party investigation

The group, which also includes a parent governor representative and an advisor from Healthwatch Barnsley, spent several months investigating how services are currently delivered and where improvements are needed.

They heard from a range of professionals across health, education and social care, as well as from people with lived experience of autism.

Concerns were highlighted about long waiting times for autism assessments - particularly for children and young people - while they also found that support is often inconsistent, especially during life transitions such as moving between school stages or into adulthood.

The findings were formally accepted by ruling cabinet members at a meeting on Wednesday, paving the way for a raft of future improvements.

A report said: “Members had become aware of the increasing prevalence of people being diagnosed with autism in Barnsley, as well as those awaiting support from relevant services.

“They were keen to better understand what local services are available in terms of diagnosis, as well as support for those with autism.

“As defined by the National Autistic Society (NAS), ‘autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people communicate and interact with the world’.

“However, it is important to note that not all autistic people see themselves as disabled.

“Members outlined their key concerns including the perceived lack of support services, waiting times to access services and the complexities involved in navigating them.

“The group discussed how there is widespread awareness about autism, but a lack of understanding, which is what individuals with autism want others to improve upon, including professionals and the general population.

“Training and awareness-raising initiatives are central to this effort, aiming to provide more opportunities for people to learn, understand and share experiences.

“Throughout the investigation, it was evident that capacity in services, both in terms of staff and other resources is challenging.

“Often, it is the same officers who are responsible for numerous key priorities due to the nature of their work.”

As a result of the group’s inquiry, work is underway with GPs so that those with autism are acknowledged on systems, so that eventually, as is done for those with a learning disability, individuals can be offered annual health checks, receive targeted information and advice, and reasonable adjustments for accessing services can be considered.

Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Marie Tidball’s role as the chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Autism will also hopefully fast-track improvements locally.

“The group will write to Ms Tidball to make her aware of this report and welcome any knowledge and expertise she can share with local officers as a result of her role, to assist in progressing this work and improving public services for autistic people,” the report added.

“Also, the group are mindful that often, for those with autism to thrive, there are parents and carers alongside them who provide essential support, including navigating services and advocating for them.

“This can be a challenging role which can lead to parents and carers having their own support needs.

“We’re pleased that parents and carers are part of the autism

stakeholder group so can ensure that their voice is heard.”

Ms Tidball said she was looking forward to working towards improving key services.

“The goal is to work together to look at ways to raise awareness of autism and improve public services for autistic people,” she told the Chronicle.

“As someone who has worked with autistic people and worked on autism law and policy throughout my professional life, I look forward to working with colleagues across both Houses of Parliament, autistic people and other organisations, to find ways to improve awareness and public services for autistic people across the country.”