Adult autism and ADHD
Autism is a lifelong developmental condition which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. Autism is a spectrum condition and affects people in different ways. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people’s behaviour.
Assessment in North Yorkshire and York
Patient information
The existing adult autism and ADHD assessment pathway for York and North Yorkshire was commissioned in 2021. Since that time there has been a significant increase in referrals that has resulted in long waiting times for assessment. In April 2023, we started to test out a new way of assessing adults for Autism and ADHD. This pilot program ended in June 2024. Here are the key changes:
Why We Had to Make Changes
- Because of the significant increase in demand for assessments, the service was at risk of closing to new referrals, or the Provider stopping their contract.
- The ICB (Integrated Care Board) had to act quickly to keep the service open and running safely.
- The pilot allowed the ICB to test, evaluate, and improve the assessment process so that it prioritised access for those people with the greatest need, whilst also providing access to a waiting list and support for everybody who wants to access an assessment.
- Feedback from people who use the service and from clinical professionals made it clear that the service needed to change in order to manage increasing demand.
The Feedback and Insights that Helped us to Develop the Pathway
- Healthwatch York evaluated the pilot in August 2023.
- People with lived experience shared their feedback during a programme of engagement events in December 2023 and April/May 2024.
- This feedback directly helped to create the final solutions for the new assessment process.
Engagement with professionals and people with lived experience has driven our learning and the development of the pilot project, and we thank all our stakeholders for taking the time – often in emotive circumstances – to share their stories and give their feedback and suggestions for how we improve the local offer, and how we can continue to work with them in the future. You can find the full briefing of our engagement here. A more accessible version of the brief will be available shortly. If anyone is willing to check it over please contact hnyicb.communications@nhs.net.
Engagement
Summary of May 2024 engagement – York and North Yorkshire Adult Autism and ADHD
Summary of December engagement – York and North Yorkshire Adult Autism and ADHD
Note from ICB and York Disability Rights Forum Meeting: 7 December 2023
Engagement Plan – York and North Yorkshire Adult ADHD and Autism Services (Autumn 2023)
Where can I access additional support?
Local NHS Mental Health Crisis Line
In a mental health emergency, call the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust Crisis Line. The line is open 24/7 for people living in County Durham, Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire and York. Call: 0800 0516 171.
SHOUT mental health support
Shout is a 24/7 text service available for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and are looking for immediate help. You can text them on 85258.
The Haven York
Are you feeling distressed, anxious or that things are too much? York Safe Haven offers free mental health support for anyone aged over 16. Visit 30 Clarence Street, York, YO31 7DE. Email: haven.mhm@nhs.net. Call: 07483 141310.
Mind Crisis Cafes
MIND crisis cafes are available to access locally covering Scarborough, Whitby, Ryedale, Harrogate, Ripon and York. You can use their online tool to find your closest cafe. Call: 0300 123 3393. Email: info@mind.org.uk.
North Yorkshire Connect
North Yorkshire Connect is a council website that helps users find local groups, services and activities.
Everything Autism
Everything Autism provides highly specialist and timely assessments to explore a formal identification of autism (diagnosis). They are a neuro-affirming service, celebrating diversity of brain types.
Call: 07496 219645
Email: Info@everythingautism.co.uk
Everyday Enable
Based at Community House in Selby, Everyday Enable offer benefit support, form filling, advice, training, talks, bus pass applications and blue badge applications.
Email: jo@everydayenable.co.uk
Castaway Music Theatre
Castaway Music Theatre is an arts charity creating life-changing opportunities for young people and adults with learning and physical disabilities, autism conditions and mental health difficulties. It offers weekly performing, training, educational and recreational opportunities in music, drama, contemporary dance, film and multimedia, led by professional artists.
North Yorkshire and York Talking Therapies
North Yorkshire and York Talking Therapies can help you with feelings of stress, low mood and worry. This is also a self referral service. Call:
- Harrogate: 01423 852137
- Hambleton and Richmondshire: 01609 768890
- Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale: 01947 899270
- York: 01904 556840
Sparks project
Sparks is a Scarborough based organisation that offer free one on one confidential appointments and initial assessments starting with a cuppa and a chat. They identify issues and agree on a plan of action to resolve problems of all kinds, to help you feel better and able to move forward.
Recovery college online
It’s important to understand your mental health and wellbeing, in order to make informed decisions based on information you understand. The Recovery College Online provides a range of online educational courses and resources to people who might be struggling with mental health issues.
Autism Central
Autism Central is a peer education programme. It aims to build knowledge and understanding of autism and empower families and carers to advocate for autistic people they support. This includes local support. Email: info@autismcentral.org.uk.
Autism Plus
Autism plus is a leading Yorkshire charity who are empowering more people every day to achieve more than they had dared to dream was possible.
They aim to do more to offer support and interventions at earlier stages to provide positive long term impacts. With the right support, at the right time people can live happy, independent lives.
Unique Friends
Unique Friends are a not for profit organisation that provide activities, support, and information to children, young people and adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities aged 0-99 years and their families.
They are based at The Annex in Gilberdyke and welcome families from the surrounding areas of East Yorkshire.
National Autistic Society
The National Autistic Society offers support and guidance to the 700,000 autistic people in the UK and their families.
This includes running specialist schools, campaigning for improved rights or training companies on being more autism-friendly, we are dedicated to transforming lives and changing attitudes.
Additional support can be found below:
Helpful Links
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