Written questions, answers and statements

Autism

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Question for Department of Health

UIN 12063, tabled on 15 October 2015

Question

Ms Margaret Ritchie
Social Democratic & Labour Party
South Down
Commons

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will take steps to reduce the waiting times for autism diagnosis; and if he will make a statement.

Answer

Alistair Burt
Conservative
North East Bedfordshire
Commons

Answered on

20 October 2015

The Department has discussed with NHS England the difficulties that people on the autistic spectrum can have in getting an appropriate diagnosis in a timely manner. With support from the Department, NHS England and the Association of Directors of Social Services will undertake a series of visits to clinical commissioning groups to discuss good practice in meeting the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Quality Standard 51 Autism, and those that do not, with the aim of supporting more consistent provision. These NICE guidelines already recommend that there should be a maximum of three months between a referral and a first appointment for a diagnostic assessment for autism. We expect the National Health Service to be working towards meeting the recommendations.


Answered by

Department of Health and Social Care
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