(2) what research his Department has (a) commissioned, and (b) evaluated on the level of NHS care available to people with autism in Portsmouth; and if he will make a statement.
We have not issued any guidance to national health service trusts nor have we commissioned or evaluated any research on the level of care which should be available to people with autism in Portsmouth. “Better Services for People with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Note Clarifying Current Government Policy and Describing Good Practice” (published on 16 November 2006) clarifies the nature and intent of existing Government policy as it relates to adults with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A copy is available in the Library. It is for NHS trusts to manage their priorities and decide how resources should be attributed, taking into consideration individual assessment of need.