Autism Diagnosis - FOI Response Register

Number of Adults Diagnosed with Autism (ICD-11 6A02)

1. The number of adults diagnosed with Autism as defined within ICD-11 6A02 within NHS Shetland for the years 2010-2020, and for the years 2021, 2022, and 2023 separately. Policy on Diagnostic Assessments**

NHS Shetland uses the ICD 10 coding system not ICD 11 therefore in accordance with FOISA s 17(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it does not hold the information requested.

The NHS Shetland Autism Pathway uses the DSMV criteria for autism assessments.

Though NHS Shetland does not use the ICD 11 coding system, it does use the ICD 10 and does hold some information under this coding system which you may find helpful.

Figures provided are for the number of inpatients where ICD 10 code F84.0 or F84.1 was listed as Main Condition or Other Condition. Where an adult is someone >=18.

Where we have given a <5 response, this is because NHS Shetland considers that providing more specific details carries a high risk of identifying individuals. As such and in accordance with FOISA s 16(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it holds the information requested but that it is exempt from disclosure under FOISA s 38(1)(b) as read with s 38 (2A) as the information constitutes personal data and disclosure would breach the confidentiality of the data subjects.

2. What are the current pathways to diagnostic assessment?

Referrals are sent to the Adult Autism Pathway Service from GPs or Mental Health Professionals. Referrals from other sources may be considered.  Referrals seen in order they are received.

In addition some patients may receive a diagnostic opinion from the community mental health team

3. What were the previous pathways used for diagnostic assessments?

No pathway previously.

4. What are the current diagnostic assessments used?

ADOS-2

DISCO

NAIT Sensory Checklist

NAIT developmental history form

The Autism Spectrum Quotient

The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire

5. What is the current policy document, and who are the signatories?

In accordance with FOISA s 17(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it does not hold the information requested. NHS Shetland does not have a policy on this.

6. Are there multiple policies within different services?

N/A

7. Was the current policy (or policies) created with direct input from the Scottish Government or independently?

N/A

8. If NHS Shetland is still using ICD-10, please specify which subsets within F84 are being used and whether this is a local decision or mandated by the Scottish government.

NHS Shetland and NHS Scotland as a whole uses the ICD 10 coding system therefore no subsets are or are not being used per se.

The autism team uses DSMV criteria

9. When can we expect NHS Shetland to update its policies to ICD-11?

In accordance with FOISA s 17(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it does not hold the information requested.

See Public Health Scotland release below regarding ICD 11 adoption.

https://publichealthscotland.scot/services/terminology-services-and-clinical-coding/icd-11/what-happens-next/