Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Strategic Action Plan
2008 – 2011:
National Update
David Poole
ASD Regional Support Team Manager
6th May 2010
Regional Support Team Background
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The Team comprises 3 Regional Support
Officer’s and a Co-ordinator
Based within the Social Services Improvement
Agency within the WLGA
Operational since June 2009 and funded until
March 2011
Offers considerable experience in ASD service
development and delivery…
…as well as organisational development
expertise
Regional Support Team - Objectives
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Advise local ASD steering groups regarding
implementation of their action plans
Maintain professional networks, regionally and
nationally, in order to share effective practice
Support communication across stakeholders
regarding progress in delivering the Strategy
Enable users of ASD services to participate in
local decision-making which affects them
ASD SAP Accountabilities
ASD National Strategy Project Board
SRO: Director, Children’s Health and Social Care
Welsh Assembly Government
ASD National Strategy Delivery Plan
SRO: ASD SAP Implementation Manager
Welsh Assembly Government
Local ASD
Services
ASD Regional
Support Team
Welsh
Assembly
Government
ASD Strategic Action Plan - Objectives
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Map prevalence of those with ASD, together with
their needs and existing services, across Wales
Ensure there is commissioning of services for
those with ASD, their families and carers
Enhance “transitions” between services so that
those with ASD are supported at key stages
Raise awareness nationally regarding ASD
issues
Develop service framework for adults with ASD
Map prevalence of those with ASD
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National Baseline Survey undertaken
18 of 22 areas returned their survey for analysis
Revealed variation in estimated prevalence
across the 22 local areas (WHO 60/10000)
Identified gaps in adults diagnostic provision
Commissioning ASD Services
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Many areas have established frameworks for
commissioning ASD services
Task now is, in light of ASD Strategy, to decommission / design new ASD services
Some area ASD action plans have actions to decommission existing / commission new ASD
services
Transitions between Services
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Ongoing work in WAG on developing Transitions
Framework to support local work in this area
Most areas have existing Transitions Protocols
The task now is to amend these where
appropriate take account of developments within
local ASD services
Develop Adults Service Framework 1
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WAG Adults Task and Finish Group reported to
Deputy Minister end of 2009
Deputy Minister accepted the Groups
recommendations. These were:
Creation of adult diagnostic framework and postdiagnosis counselling service (£750,000: 3 yrs)
Establishment of regional adult community
monitoring / support service (£740,000: 3 yrs)
Develop Adults Service Framework 2
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Research undertaken by Bangor / Cardiff /
Glamorgan universities regarding needs of older
people with ASD recently reported
Adults Conference in June 2010 to consider
research findings and the implications for
practice in working with older people
Raise awareness of ASD issues
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WAG groups developing awareness-raising
materials for key audiences
“ASD Matters” (HOWIS) website will provide
updates regarding progress in delivering
strategy
“Connections” (SSIA) website supports effective
practice exchange for practitioners
www.ssiacymru.org.uk/asd
Research into Autism in Wales
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Establishment of Chair in Autism post at Cardiff
University (Professor Sue Leekam)
Evaluation of Children’s Diagnostic Services and
Interventions across Wales
Pilot of electronic register for children with ASD
in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area
(Cardiff and Bangor universities)
Any Questions?