Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that people with (a) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and (b) other types of neurodiversity receive the most effective (i) treatment and (ii) care for their conditions.

We expect integrated care boards (ICBs) and National Health Service trusts to have due regard to relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other types of neurodiversity such as autism when commissioning and providing services for people. It is the responsibility of ICBs to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, in line with these NICE guidelines.

On 5 April 2023, NHS England published a national framework and operational guidance for autism assessment services. These documents are aimed at helping to improve the experience of people referred for an autism assessment and include guidance on the provision of post-diagnostic support delivered shortly after diagnosis. This financial year, £4.2 million is available to improve services for autistic children and young people, including autism assessment services and pre and post diagnostic support, including the continuation of the ‘Autism in Schools’ programme.

Additionally, each integrated care board is expected to have an Executive Lead for learning disability and autism to support them to deliver care and support for autistic people in their area. NHS England has recently published statutory guidance on these Executive Lead roles.