Children and adults diagnosed with autism

21

WQ.125/2019

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES BY DEPUTY M.R. HIGGINS OF ST. HELIER

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 26th FEBRUARY 2019

Question

Will the Minister provide details of how many children and adults have been diagnosed with autism in its various forms in the last 5 years; and of any respite care provided by his Department for them and their carers?

Answer

There are two main pathways through which a child in Jersey would receive a diagnosis of Autism. These are the Autism and Social Communication (ASC) Clinic for children aged 5 to 18 and the Early Years Social Communication (EYSC) pathway for pre-school children.

The total number of children receiving a diagnosis of Autism over the last 5 years (2014-2019) via ASC and EYSC is 118.

The breakdown of this across each calendar year is as follows:

2018 = 30 2017 = 32 2016 = 25 2015 = 21 2014 = 10

Total = 118

Of this total, 21 children and their carers either receive or have received short break (respite) support provided by Health and Community Services. Support is bespoke to the individual and will depend on where the individual is on the spectrum and their assessed care needs.

A new diagnostic service for adults commenced half way through 2014. The number of adults (18+) that have had a diagnosis of Autism following diagnostic assessment from mid-2014 to December 2018 is 81 people.

The adult service does not provide respite, but offers post-diagnostic support that comprises:

1. A six-week course for anyone that receives a diagnosis (focus on what the diagnosis means for them; exploring the disorder further; meeting others with the diagnosis etc)
2. A drop-in advice service every Tuesday afternoon (an organised schedule of groups targeted at common challenges for individuals with Autism – a drop-in for any professional/carer/parent)
3. Advice and support for any of our providers that maybe facilitating support for an individual on the Autism spectrum.