Select a region
News that the waitlist for autism assessments has been reduced comes as the island celebrates World Autism Acceptance Week this week.
Mental Health Director Andy Weir told the Health and Social Security Panel that the median wait time for autism assessments had gone down – which he described as "really good news."
He explained that this was achieved by reworking the diagnostic pathway and making processes more efficient.
Adult autism waitlists have reduced due to changes made by the clinical team within the Health Department, whilst Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) has significantly increased its capacity to deliver autism assessments for children.
Pictured: Mental Health Director, Andy Weir.
Toni Cooper, who leads the Neurodevelopmental Service within CAMHS, explained that better-informed parents and children increasingly recognising their own traits are behind increase in referrals for autism assessments.
The CAMHS 2023 annual report revealed that there were 310 autism assessment referrals to the service last year, compared to just 80 in 2020.
Darren Bowring, Associate Director for Children's Mental Health, explained: “Due to the significant increase in neuro-developmental referrals, assessments were completed on average within nine months; not as quick as we would like, but significantly better than the majority of UK local authorities who all saw similar large increases in referrals.”
Dual ADHD and autism assessments were offered by the service for the first time last year.
In addition, CAMHS recruited a Locum Psychiatrist to focus solely on ADHD diagnostic assessments from October 2023 to March 2024.
Pictured: Median number of days that adults are waiting for an autism assessment.
In the Adult Mental Health Service, the median wait time for an autism assessment reduced from its peak of 340 days in January 2023, to around 270 days in January 2024.
In a statement, the Health Department said: "There is a growing understanding and recognition of autism in Jersey and we thank our partners for helping to achieve this.
"Waiting lists for adult autism assessments are reducing as a result of changes made by the clinical team within Health and Community Services, and CAMHS has significantly increased its capacity to deliver assessments.
"Work is ongoing to improve services for islanders with autism and a neurodiversity strategy is currently in development, in partnership with Autism Jersey."
The final draft of the autism strategy will be submitted to Health Minister Tom Binet for approval in September, according to Mr Weir.
The welcome news of reduced waiting lists comes as the island celebrates World Autism Acceptance Week from 2 to 8 April.
The initiative aims to raise awareness about neurodiversity, while recognising the contributions of autistic people across the globe.
Local charity Autism Jersey has been organising events such as presentations to businesses, social events, and a stall at Charing Cross to increase understanding of autism on a local level.
Lesley Harrison, Head of Charitable Services at Autism Jersey, said the charity works with schools and businesses throughout the year to promote understanding and acceptance.
She said: "Retailers like CI Co-op, Sandpiper, Matalan and JT have been supportive by introducing 'quiet hours' with dimmed lighting, no music, tills ringing etc, so those autistic individuals with sensory challenges find shopping less stressful."
In the run-up to Autism Awareness Week, Autism Jersey delivered presentations on autism in the workplace to dispel myths and highlight the value of autistic employees.
Speaking about the autism waitlist, Ms Harrison said: "The government do recognise the importance of addressing the current waiting lists for diagnosis.
"They have made reducing those lists one of their priorities and they are making significant inroads.
"We at Autism Jersey are committed to providing pre and post-diagnostic support to meet as many needs as possible.
"The challenge will always be, that the more we generate awareness and understanding, then that has an impact on the number of individuals who perhaps feel that they would like to explore further and perhaps consider a diagnosis."
READ MORE...
Children’s mental health referrals double in just three years
Health considers shutting down ADHD waitlist
Gov to review how mental health medication is prescribed to children
FOCUS: ADHD patients turn to black market amid medication shortages
"Atrocious" waiting lists for ADHD and autism assessments
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.