Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB) has commissioned a pioneering new service – the first of its kind in East Anglia – that provides vital support to adults in Norfolk waiting for a formal autism assessment.

The new service, which launched in early June, has been developed in partnership with Norfolk County Council (NCC) and co-designed with people with lived experience through the Norfolk Autism Partnership Board.

The service aims to address the need for support while waiting for a formal assessment to be made, a period which can be daunting and uncertain for many.

This tailored pre-assessment support will include helping people to build resilience, and understand their strengths and the challenges they face. The support offered will also provide opportunities for them to connect with Peer Support Workers, who use their lived experience to support others facing similar difficulties.

In addition, after their referral has been reviewed, people will receive a letter confirming the reasonable adjustments organisations should make to support them, helping to remove barriers they may face in daily life.

The service will be delivered by provider ABL Health, which is working closely with the Norfolk Autism Partnership Board to ensure that the support offered will be responsive to individual needs and firmly rooted in patient experiences.

Tricia D’Orsi, Executive Director of Nursing at Norfolk and Waveney ICB, said: “This innovative programme represents a major step forward. By offering meaningful support throughout a person’s journey, we aim to improve the lives of people awaiting an autism assessment. There are lots of support services and networks available but helping people to navigate these is key.”

Norfolk Autism Partnership Board Facilitator Lee Gibbons said: “Support before assessment doesn’t replace the assessment itself, but it can make a real difference. It helps people manage day-to-day challenges, connect with others, and better understand their own needs.”

Cllr Alison Thomas, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Norfolk County Council, said: “Autistic people were at the heart of designing this service. By listening to their voices and working with the Norfolk Autism Partnership Board, we’ve created a service that offers real support at a time when people often feel isolated and unsure of what’s next.”

ABL Health Divisional Lead Oliver Godfrey said: “This service not only supports individuals during a challenging wait – it also sets a new benchmark for how health and care systems can provide proactive, compassionate support to those seeking an autism assessment.”

New patients can access the service through a GP referral, while those already waiting for an autism assessment don’t need to take any further action. Patients in Waveney have access to an alternative pathway for adult autism assessment, which is provided by Mind Professionals and Skylight Psychiatry via GP referral.

Notes to editors:

• Executive Director of Nursing Tricia D’Orsi is available for interview regarding the content of this press release. For more information or to arrange an interview, please email the Integrated Care Board (ICB) communications team: nwicb.pressoffice@nhs.net
• A headshot of Tricia D’Orsi can be accessed here.