All councillor meeting to discuss neurodiversity
A meeting this week will see councillors discuss neurodiversity in York and how neurodivergent adults can be better supported.
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term to describe different ways that people’s brains process information. It is believed around 15% of people are neurodivergent, covering conditions including dyslexia, ADHD, dyspraxia, autism and epilepsy.
A council motion on the topic coincides with a trial currently being run by the NHS in York and North Yorkshire for adult autism and ADHD assessment.
Labour Councillor Jason Rose will propose a Labour motion seeking to promote wider understanding of neurodiversity and the needs of York’s neurodivergent population. He said:
“Public understanding of neurodiversity has increased significantly in recent years and this has led to huge waiting lists for adult autism and ADHD assessment in York and North Yorkshire. A lot of people attempting to navigate the new trial system have struggled to identify how it works and what happens once they’ve completed the online self-assessment tool, something highlighted by York Disabled Rights Forum (YDRF) and by Healthwatch York in its early evaluation of the trial. It’s crucial people are supported through this process and provided with accurate information on what the possible outcomes are, and that we work together to improve those outcomes going forward”.
The trial process from start to finish for those who complete it and are assessed as having autism or ADHD is estimated to be almost four years. The council motion draws attention to this lengthy wait and the need for services to be adequately resourced so adults’ neurodivergence can be identified in a timelier way, helping to improve their health and wellbeing.
Cllr Rose will also ask through the motion for the council to review its own services:
“York is a city for everyone and so we need to ensure the council is doing everything possible to make services fully accessible to all. This includes updating the council’s out of date Autism Strategy which, given recent advances in our understanding of neurodiversity and the increased numbers of people seeking assessment, needs to happen sooner rather than later”.
Labour’s motion will be debated at this week’s council meeting taking place at the Citadel on Gillygate on Thursday evening, at 6.30pm.
-ENDS-
Cllr Jason Rose
Tel: 07866 077749
Notes to Editors:
1. Healthwatch report on NHS ADHD and autism assessment trial: Guidance (healthwatchyork.co.uk)
2. NHS information on the trial: https://www.valeofyorkccg.nhs.uk/adult-adhd-and-autism-assessment/
3. Details of public engagement events in December arranged by the NHS to discuss the trial: https://www.valeofyorkccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/lets-get-talking-about-adult-autism-and-adhd-services-in-york-and-north-yorkshire/
