Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department and NHS England are taking to ensure that autism diagnosis waiting times for (a) children and (b) adults in Lincolnshire NHS Trust area meet NICE guidance.

NHS England advises that, from 1 April 2016, Lincolnshire West Clinical Commissioning Group will be commissioning an integrated diagnostic pathway for adults with autism spectrum disorder. Performance measures will include a target maximum 12-week waiting time, to ensure that National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines are met.

A review of services for children is also planned as part of the Lincolnshire All Age Autism Strategy, which will include the development of a clearly defined integrated pathway for diagnostic assessment and post-diagnostic support for this age group.