Autism Spectrum Disorder - FOI Response Register

1. Can you please advise how many adults your health board diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder/condition, by year, since 2007?

Adults – autism pathway only set up in 2022

2. Secondly, from 2007 onwards, can you please confirm how many adults, by year, were already receiving psychiatric treatment prior to diagnosis, and were identified for screening and assessment for autism as part of their ongoing treatment?

In accordance with FOISA s 17(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it does not hold the information requested. Unfortunately the system we use for patient data does not allow this sort of report to be run. Adult MH does not screen for ASD.

3. Thirdly, can you please confirm the number of people receiving secondary care psychiatric treatment per year since 2007, regardless of diagnosis?

In accordance with FOISA s 17(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it does not hold the information requested. Unfortunately the system we use for patient data does not allow this sort of report to be run.  We can say that there are 274 individuals today in the Community Psychiatric Team but we cannot look back. 

4. Finally, does your health board consider it a standard/expected requirement that those delivering psychiatric treatment should appraise themselves of an individual’s personal background as part of their duty of care towards their patient?

Assessment of an individual’s personal background is part of the assessment of all patients and that would be available to treating clinicians.  It would be expected that those delivering care would appraise themselves of those details of that patient’s background necessary to provide the particular care that is planned.