1. THE CHOICES AND SOLUTIONS SEMINAR
Registered Charity No
WELCOMES
YOU TO
THE CHOICES AND SOLUTIONS SEMINAR

2. Autism Spectrum Conditions – Services in Bolton
Dr Anna Dodd – Clinical Psychologist
Helen Bucke – Occupational Therapist/Team Manager
Catherine Marsh – Support Worker
Candice Boone – Trainee Psychologist

3. Points to Consider
Research indicates that approximately one in every hundred people are affected by an ASC (NAS).
Therefore there are at least 623,000 people with ASC living in the UK (Office for National Statistics, 2011)
The population of Bolton was 276,786 (2012) so that means that there could be nearly 3,000 people in Bolton who could potentially have autism (adults and children)
Forward into Action (DOH 2014) reinforces provision of services for people with autism to commissioner agencies

4. National Policy Context
Service provision for people with autism has gained a considerable amount of cross-party attention over the past few years.
Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives, 2010, was backed by The Autism Act (2009) which placed a statutory requirement on the Government to improve support for adults with autism in England 

5. Relevant Policies Autism Act 2009 National Autism Strategy 2010
Implementing “Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives” 2010
NICE – Autism Recognition, Referral, Diagnosis and Management Guidelines 2012
Think Autism 2014
Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities and NHS organisations to support the implementation of the Adult Autism Strategy 2015

6. Key Actions - Increasing awareness and understanding of autism
- Developing a clear, consistent pathway for diagnosis of autism; and where identified leading to assessment of need and the development of care packages where required
- The provision of post-diagnostic support of autism in adults
- Improving access for adults with autism to the services and support they need to live independently within the community
- Helping adults with autism into work
- Enabling local partners to develop relevant services for adults with autism to meet identified needs and priorities
- The training of staff who provide services to adults with autism
- Planning in relation to the provision of services to people with autism as they move from being children to adults
- Improved local planning and leadership in relation to the provision of services for adults with autism

7. Services for Adults in Bolton
AUTISM SPECTRUM CONDITIONS DIAGNOSIS & SUPPORT SERVICE - BOLTON
This is a service for adults over 18 registered with a GP surgery in Bolton and resident in Bolton.
It is aimed at those people who are seeking a diagnostic assessment for a suspected Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).
Following diagnosis, service users are eligible for post-diagnostic support from the Bolton Team.

8. The Diagnostic Team
The team comprises professionals from the Trafford Extended Service (TES) who work together to provide diagnostic services for adults in Bolton who may have an ASC.
Referral can be made by General Practitioners or health professionals by letter and completion of the AQ10 Screening Tool
Multidisciplinary team of Clinical Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Social Work and Community Nursing

9. Trafford Extended Service
The ASC part of the service provides access to autism diagnosis in several local areas (including Bolton) and also support for adults with autism in Trafford.
The service provides NICE compliant diagnostic assessment from a specialist multi-disciplinary team
Also provide specific training to help agencies understand the needs and strengths of people with autism

10. Approach
Staff work flexibly to conduct the assessments with individuals, including the involvement of families, carers and other professionals (where agreed and appropriate). Assessments will take place in an area most appropriate (where possible) for the individual - including people’s own homes, primary health care centres, colleges, places of work and in-patient services
The service’s office base in Urmston also provides clinic space and other facilities
A multi-disciplinary approach is taken and the process of assessment and an eventual diagnosis is a team process to ensure validity and accuracy

11. Assessments Used
Initial Interview – to obtain an understanding of an individual’s presenting issues, history of any difficulties and to ascertain whether there are any signs/symptoms of an ASC which warrant further assessment.
Autism Quotient (AQ -10) and Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ)
Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R) – with a relative or carer who has known the person since childhood
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)
Specialist Assessments as appropriate : Social Stories, Theory of Mind, Speech and Language assessments
The assessment process is informed by the presentation and needs of the person

12. Feedback Full feedback provided to person and carer/significant other.
Discussing the diagnosis and what it means for them
Providing information about autism/psychoeducation
Discussion of a provided diagnostic report and its content
Disclosure
Signposting to relevant services
Done jointly with the Bolton ASC service where possible for a smooth transition into post-diagnostic services

13. Post Diagnostic Support
Team consists of : Occupational Therapist/Team Leader Support Worker Trainee Psychologist Clinical Psychologist – Clinical Lead Based locally in Bolton town centre, people can be seen in their own homes, at the team base or in a variety of community settings

14. Services Available
Short term post-diagnostic intervention – this includes an individual, person-centred multi- disciplinary assessment – the Autism Star.
This indicates individual areas of strength and difficulty
Action Plan identified and agreed
Working alongside the person, carers and family, partner agencies and employers
Signposting for a Community Care assessment if required.
Carer and Family support
Consultation with and referral to other services

15. Group Programme 18- week Group Programme :
10-week Post Diagnosis Programme
8 week Coping Skills Group

16. Complex Needs
For people who present with the most complex, enduring, severe and high risk support need, provision of multi-disciplinary care co- ordination under the Care Programme Approach with access to a range of psychological treatments and social care.
Liaison with other services – Mental Health Services

17. What Next ? Drop In Service – Commerce House MHIST Social Group
Network links with other individuals

18. Other Resources National Autistic Society
Breaking Barriers/ABAG/Bolton Adult Asperger Support (BAAS)
Disability Employment Officers
Educational Support Staff
Voluntary agencies – MHIST
Bolton Council
Housing agencies – MySpace, Bolton at Home
Welfare Benefit agencies

19. Useful Contacts
Trafford Extended Service Tel: Bolton ASC Support Team Tel :

20. Thank you for listening
Any Questions ?