Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are lifelong, complex conditions resulting in mild to severe social, language and communication, and thought and behavioural impairments.
The Scottish Executive commissioned the Public Health Institute of Scotland - now NHS Health Scotland - to carry out an Autism Spectrum Disorders Needs Assessment. The report recognised that services for people with ASD needed to be improved, and it made a number of recommendations that aim to provide quicker access to assessment and diagnosis, and improved services post-diagnosis.
In response to the report, a Reference Group was set up to help take forward priorities for improvements to services in Scotland. The reference group agreed to work in subgroups to focus on initial priorities. Groups were set on diagnosis, training and information.
In consultation with these groups, the Scottish Executive have funded a number of projects to help meet the diverse needs of children, young people and adults with autism spectrum disorders and their carers. The Scottish Executive hosted an information event in February 2006 to inform service development in Scotland by providing an overview of these projects.
In February 2003, the Scottish Executive asked local agencies to complete an audit of ASD services. A statistical report provides an analysis of the information supplied. The report aims to provide a starting point for discussion and lead to more accurate figures as partnership working and data collection procedures continue to improve. The Scottish Executive has developed guidance for local agencies setting up Community Health Partnerships to inform the development of local arrangements to improve the health and wellbeing of people with a learning disability and/or autism spectrum disorder.
The Scottish Executive guidance on the completion of the 2004-2007 Partnership in Practice Agreements (PiPs) states that PiPs should outline joint plans to develop ASD services, informed by the service audit. PiPs 2004-07 have been completed and returned.
Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) has conducted a specific inspection of educational provision for children and young people with autism spectrum disorder across Scotland. The inspection included consideration of how far pupils with ASD have access to a broad and relevant curriculum to ensure they are learning; how far pupils with ASD are included and enabled to engage with more socially equipped peers; how expertise is used in schools and why certain interventions are chosen. The report is available.
The work of the reference group continues to focus on priorities for delivering better services for individuals and their families. A progress report published in February 2006 provides full details of progress towards implementation of the recommendations of the PHIS report to date. It also identifies priorities for further action at national and local level.
A national conference: Health and Autism - Needs, Rights, Responsibilities and Widening Perspectives was held on 24 November 2005 in Aviemore. The aim of the conference was to widen the dialogue about health needs in Autism in Scotland and to focus on contributing to a broader perspective on how we deliver interventions. The conference report is available to view.