Issue - meetings

Further to Minute No. 29 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 19^th June, 2013, Councillor Dalton presented the report which set out the response to the findings and recommendations of the scrutiny review of Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Rotherham. 

This review had been requested by the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People because of the apparent high levels of diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Rotherham.  This was identified in a report to the Cabinet Member and was explored further in a position paper to the Health Select Commission in July, 2012. It had been agreed at that meeting that a full scrutiny review would be required and this would investigate the steady increase in diagnoses within the last ten years.

The overall aim of the review was to achieve a better understanding of patterns of Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Rotherham, leading to the development of appropriate support and assistance to families affected by it.  It was understood that the review took place in a climate of budget reductions and, therefore, also wanted to look at the potential for more effective use of existing resources.

The four stated objectives of the review were to consider, as follows:-

·                The reasons for the higher diagnosis rates.

·                Services required at diagnosis stage and after.

·                16+ support and transition.

·                Budget implications.

The review was, therefore, structured around these four objectives, with a dedicated meeting held for each one and evidence presented around these four headings. 

Key messages that came out of the review were as follows:-

·                Early intervention and prevention work is key for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

·                Mental health needs of children and adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder can arise because of the lack of support.

·                Lack of clarity about where the lead of support lies – Education, Health etc.

·                Family and home support is a gap in provision.

·                It is difficult for many parents to make sense of all of the different agencies that are involved in this area of work.

·                There has been significant progress made with this area of work and this needs to continue with clear leadership and direction.

·                To ensure the best outcomes for children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, parental voice and influence is absolutely crucial.

·                All of the recommendations formed as part of this review were about more effective use of existing resources, achieving better value for money and becoming better organised in delivery of support. It was the view of the review group that there should not be a need for additional resources to implement the recommendations.

Resolved:- (1) That the Cabinet’s response to the Scrutiny Review of the Autistic Spectrum Disorder, as now submitted, be noted.

(2) That all those involved in the review be thanked for their input.

(3) That a progress report on the implementation of the various recommendations of this scrutiny review be submitted to a meeting of the Health Select Commission in six months’ time.