Influence

Four different engagement processes in NY&Y

YaaaG is engaging on two active consultations and possible two others which are imminent.

North Yorkshire Council is developing an updated all-ages Autism Strategy. This was given impetus by the question addressed by YaaaG to the Council’s Health Scrutiny Committee in June 2022 following an inquest into a related tragedy of a young autistic woman. YaaaG’s primary concerns are that the Council has failed to undertake an up-to-date Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) for autistic adults without learning disabilities, and its current engagement process risk being not-fit-for-purpose. Accountability and oversight by the Health and Wellbeing Board remains weak.

In parallel, the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for North Yorkshire and York is seeking to address the massive undersupply of diagnosis assessment capacity for adults with suspected Autism and/or ADHD.  Its Pilot Scheme for rationing of these services has been heavily criticised.  Its consultation in December 2023 has acknowledged that few if any pre- or post diagnostic support services are currently available, yet there is no strategy or plan to start commissioning these at scale.  Furthermore, they acknowledge that the knowledge of the statutory services including commissioners is very weak in this area, and yet efforts to embrace genuine coproduction by YaaaG and others with relevant expertise are currently rejected.

The City of York is fast-tracking an update to its own Autism Strategy, and has already decided to extend this to cover neurodiversity generally (including ADHD).  Public engagement has not yet started, but preparatory work is under way internally, and YaaaG and others are pressing for proper research beforehand into demand and need by York’s Public Health staff. 

Finally, the Humber and North Yorkshire ICB as a whole is moving towards addressing matters across its regional geography, looking initially an growing under-capacity of diagnosis assessment services across the region, but hopefully including a wider look at major gaps in adult autism and ADHD support services too. A possible Report to its main Board is under consideration. YaaaG is seeking coordination with other third sector providers of these services, but has not yet found any willingness of the ICB itself to engage.

Last updated 27.2.2024