66 Comparing black and minority ethnic (BME) and white families' equality of access to a specialist autism assessment service in the UK. (23rd February 2023) - Oliver, Jeremy
Abstract : Background: Barriers faced by black and minority ethnic (BME) groups in accessing autism services include language barriers and referral biases (Tromans et al., 2020). It is not known whether young people from BME groups face inequalities in access and treatment in second-opinion autism assessment services in the UK. Objectives: This audit used routine clinical data to find out whether young people (YP) from BME groups had equal access and treatment in a UK second-opinion autism assessment service. Methods: Routine clinical data from 2018-2020 for 145 YP (n=28 from BME groups, n=177 White) were analysed to examine group differences on variables relating to referral, assessment and diagnosis. Results: Before assessment: There were no significant differences between BME and White YP in age at referral, years between most recent ASD assessment and referral, or referral type (second opinion vs first opinion for complex case). There was a non-significant, but approaching significance, trend for more BME YP to be referred from CAMHS compared to white YP. During assessment: There were no significant ethnic group differences in the time between referral and first appointment date, number of recommendations provided in the assessment report or number of appointments missed. After assessment: Similar proportions of BME and White YP were given an autism diagnosis, or had a previous autism diagnosis confirmed. Rates of new or confirmed mental health diagnoses (e.g. social anxiety, depression) were also similar between ethnic groups. Conclusions: In this brief audit, YP from BME groups were found to have similar equality of access and treatment in a UK second-opinion autism assessment service. The data indicated further exploration of referral rates is needed. This quantitative audit needs to be followed with a qualitative study to find out if YP and families from BME groups own experience of the service feels appropriately accessible and equitable.