Older mental health patients in County Durham and Teesside will get faster autism assessments after a pioneering NHS service was expanded.
The rollout will help over-65s treated by secondary mental health teams after a successful pilot in Easington.
TEWV ran one of the country’s first pilots to diagnose autism in older patients using mental health services.
Easington Mental Health Services for Older People (Image: Supplied)
Dr Jonathan Summerill, clinical psychologist at TEWV, said: "I'm pleased that we're able to offer more – and faster – assessments for older autistic people.
"Many older people currently do not have the same access to assessment and support for autism, and therefore we aim to increase recognition around this.
"We recognise that a lot of older people who are autistic go undiagnosed throughout most of their lives.
"Knowing someone is autistic can change their care within services.
"We've seen people being discharged from services, medication being reviewed, and past diagnosis being looked at.
"It goes beyond a diagnosis.
"It helps families to understand and support their loved ones as well."
The pilot cut average waiting times from 118 weeks to 20 weeks.
Research suggests that around 90 per cent of middle-aged and older autistic adults in England remain undiagnosed.
Autism assessments will now be offered across older people’s mental health services in County Durham and Teesside after the pilot’s success.
The Durham Tees Valley Adult Autism Service, part of TEWV, supports the expanded programme.
Stephanie Foster, a specialist occupational therapist at TEWV, said: "The outcomes for the patients have been fabulous.
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"Especially for people who have been treatment-resistive and who’ve been in services a long time.
"We've been able to help them understand who they are, why they've felt that way for so long and help them move forward."
TEWV provides mental health and learning disability services across County Durham, Tees Valley, York and most of North Yorkshire.