Hillingdon Council's Health and Social Care Select Committee convened on Tuesday, 16 September 2025, to discuss updates on autism services within the borough.

The committee received an update on autism services in Hillingdon. The report pack provided to the committee contained details on definitions, prevalence, and the benefits of diagnosis. Gary Collier introduced the report, noting it had been some time since the committee last discussed this area of need. He also suggested returning to the committee in the future with a draft strategy for consultation.

Martyn Storey highlighted a significant increase in the number of people with autism diagnoses receiving care packages. In 2019, only 18 individuals with autism (without an associated learning disability) were receiving services, compared to 374 as of last month. Storey attributed this rise to increased diagnostic activity and greater self-awareness among residents, potentially exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Autism and autism for people who don't have an associated loan disability have increased massively in the last three, four, five years, said Martyn Storey.

The care packages for the 374 individuals with autism include a range of services, from support with accommodation needs and full-time care to smaller packages of a couple of hours to help with practical tasks like reading mail. The focus is on short-term support to build skills and confidence.

Storey also mentioned the creation of a specialist autism team within adult social care to better address the needs of this population. Previously, individuals with autism were part of the Learning Disabilities Service. Additionally, the Autism Partnership Board has evolved into an all-age Autism Board, meeting quarterly to discuss autism-specific issues. The new all-age Autism Board focuses on autism-only issues for people across the board with any level of autism, and includes an expert reference group. The board aims to tie in with the development of the autism strategy.

From a children's and education point of view, it was noted that the post-16 team is working to support young people with education and healthcare plans to go into supported internships where they come out with employability skills.

Councillor Sital Punja asked about the spectrum of needs of those with autism. Storey responded that the 374 individuals are care act eligible, and that the spectrum of needs is across the piece. He also noted that the numbers relate purely to people who have got care act eligibility.

Councillor Reeta Chamdal asked about the significant growth in numbers. Storey responded that there was little adult diagnostic work being done prior to 2020, and that the waiting list has gone down massively.

Councillor Nick Denys asked about the 1,468 people on waiting lists who have had an initial assessment and are awaiting a diagnosis. Storey responded that this is a health number, and that health have a pre-diagnosis service for people who are in acute need. He also noted that no one requires an autism diagnosis to be able to access an assessment for potential services and support from the local authority.

Councillor Becky Haggar OBE asked about the 18 month to 2 year wait for an adult assessment. Storey responded that this is something that CNWL are responsible for, and that they are getting support from an independent sector (Oxford company) to help reduce waiting times. The specific reasons for these long waiting times are not detailed in the provided text. Haggar also asked how quickly services are brought into play after an assessment is done. Storey responded that referrals are seen fairly quickly now that there is a specialist team.

Councillor Sital Punja asked about the higher prevalence of autism in males than females, and the higher prevalence amongst black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. Storey responded that this is a national picture, and that there is ongoing research around this. Sandra Taylor added that the council does have culturally sensitive services that they commission.

The committee agreed to receive a draft of the autism strategy at a future meeting. The full report pack from the meeting is available online. Public reports pack 16th-Sep-2025