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Listen
Action
The following action points build on the above and will deliver improved outcomes for people with autism spectrum disorder. Local authorities and health boards should work in partnership to:
1) Be clear what outcomes are to be delivered for people with ASD. These should set the context and drive the specific actions taken by partners at all levels.
2) Identify and keep a record of people with ASD in their area. An audit of local needs should be carried out to identify service gaps building on the 2003 audit of services for people with autism spectrum disorders. Information about the number of children with autism spectrum disorder in education is available for each local authority and should be used to plan future demand on services.
3) Ensure that diagnosis and assessments are carried out by specially trained and qualified workers equipped to understand and assess the needs of people with ASD with reference to the diagnostic standard in Annex A.
4) Ensure that services provided are appropriate to meet the identified needs of people with ASD. A set of suggested outcomes is set out in the guidance.
5) Ensure the involvement of people with ASD in planning services.
6) Promote the inclusion of people with ASD through the provision of information in accessible formats and methods. Information about routes to services should be widely available.
7) Provide awareness training in the requirements of people with ASD for staff. Training should be accredited.
8) Appoint an ASD co-ordinator in the local partnership, to take responsibility for implementation, monitoring, quality assurance and reporting.
A senior officer should take the lead in the approaches to be adopted to ensure compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and other relevant legislation in relation to the access and care needs of this group.
Summary
The following annexes provide material to inform and support action in developing services for people with autism spectrum disorder.
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