Parent consultation and contribution to the Local Offer
Westmorland and Furness SEND Local Offer is continually developing and your feedback is important to help us shape the future delivery. We aim to be approachable, transparent and constructive to make sure that all views are acknowledged and considered.
The feedback and comments we have received are recorded below, along with our response and subsequent actions.
If you would like to provide feedback with regards to the Autism services on offer in Cumbria, the information we provide or general views on Westmorland and Furness SEND Local Offer website please contact us.
Your views are important.
Your feedback and our responses
You said: 'There is often a delay in between being told your child has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the report being received. We cannot get access to services until the official diagnosis is received. This is really frustrating.'
Our response: We put together a one page statement of diagnosis. This can go out to parents as soon as the diagnosis is made via email or letter. We are working towards all reports being ready in a timely way and the statement will not be necessary.
You said: 'We don't like our children as having a disorder or condition: ie Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)/Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).'
Our response: With the NHS we conducted a full consultation with families from 28th September 2022 - 9th November 2022. We had 500 responses from individuals and families to The Autism Terminology Consultation.
You said: SEND pathway process for families at the start of the process, so we can see what should happen and when and understand timescales.
Our response: We have mapped the process and will be providing digital information in the form of leaflets that can be printed.
Autism information hub - feedback survey
Our Autism Information Hub was created in response to families and parents saying they would like all information and resources about Autism in one central location.
The Hub also intends to allow families and individuals to search for Autism information and resources that are specific to them and their situation, such as age ranges, and where they are in the process of getting a diagnosis (if they request one).
The Hub is still in development. We'd love feedback on what you would like to access or see on the Autism Information Hub. Please do let us know, so we can continue to improve this resource.