Written Assembly Questions tabled on 16 June 2014 for answer on 23 June 2014

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W - Signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.

(Self identifying Question no. shown in brackets)

Written Questions must be tabled at least five working days before they are to be answered. In practice, Ministers aim to answer within seven/eight days but are not bound to do so. Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.

To ask the Minister for Health and Social Services

Mark Isherwood (North Wales): What policy or guidance applies to local health boards regarding the recognition of diagnosis of Asperger syndrome as a medical condition? (WAQ67241)

Mark Isherwood (North Wales): What policy or guidance applies to local health boards regarding the categorisation of Asperger’s and autistic spectrum conditions in the context of mental illness, learning disability or other medical conditions? (WAQ67242)

Answer received on 29 July 2014 (WAQ67241/2)

The Deputy Minister for Social Services (Gwenda Thomas): The Welsh Government has adopted the World Health Organisation definition of autism:

‘The term autistic spectrum disorders(ASD) is used to describe the group of pervasive developmental disorders characterised by qualitative abnormalities in reciprocal social interactions and in patterns of communication and by restricted, stereotyped, repetitive repertoire of interests and activities.

The ASD diagnostic pathway is a very complex one involving multi–agency and multi-disciplinary assessments. In making a diagnosis, statutory authorities should take into account the NICE guidelines on ‘Autism diagnosis in children and young people’ issued in September 2011 and for adults ‘Autism recognition, referral, diagnosis and management of adults on the autism spectrum’ published in June 2012.

It is estimated that some 70% of people with autism will have another or co-existing problem such as: learning disabilities, mental health problems; physical health problems; and sensory impairments. People with ASD and a co-existing learning disability, and in need of services, should be clients of their local learning disability services. Those with mental health problems and physical and sensory health issues should have as equal a right of access to primary, secondary and specialist health care services as any other citizen.

Mark Isherwood (North Wales): What policy or guidance applies to local health boards regarding joint working with social services over care plans, including meetings with the person to whom the care plan applies? (WAQ67243)

Answer received on 23 June 2014

Mark Drakeford: The Integrated Assessment, Planning and Review Arrangements for Older People applies to local health boards with respect to care plans for people aged 65 years or more. The guidance is issued under sections 1 and 2 of the NHS (Wales) Act 2006 and section 7(1) of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970.

The Integrated Assessment Planning and Review Arrangements for Older People contains guiding statements that health and social care professionals should apply when assessing or reviewing needs and planning care. The first of these is that a person's views and wishes should shape the assessment and care and support planning process. The person themselves must be enabled and supported to have a strong voice and control in the whole process.

Paragraph 3.9 of the guidance allows for local authorities and local health boards to draw on the principles of the guidance when assessing and planning for the needs of all adults; and I have encouraged this where the application of the guidance does not conflict with the requirements of the Unified Assessment guidance, which is still current for people under 65. That guidance similarly requires that agencies should ensure that individual are active partners in the assessment of their needs and are involved in reviews of their care plans

Engagement is underway with stakeholders to inform the design the model of assessment of need and care planning that will be implemented under the Social Services and Well-being Act. The Integrated Assessment guidance provides a good foundation on which to build the regulations and code of practice that will apply from April 2016.