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Scottish Strategy for Autism

In 2010 addressing the needs of autistic people was recognised as a national priority. Following a period of consultation, the Scottish Government and COSLA launched the Scottish Strategy for Autism in November 2011.

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Scottish Strategy for Autism

A number of initiatives have been developed over the past decade to address the needs of people with autism but it wasn’t until autumn 2010 that it was recognised as a national priority. Following a period of consultation, the Scottish Government and COSLA launched the Scottish Strategy for Autism in November 2011.

As Scotland’s national autism charity, we played a pivotal role in the development of the strategy through our work with the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Reference Group. Significantly, the vision for the strategy very much reflects our own as does the philosophy behind it.

The vision:

“… individuals on the autism spectrum are respected, accepted and valued by their communities and have confidence in services to treat them fairly so that they are able to have meaningful and satisfying lives.”

Underpinning this is a recognition that:

• Autism is multidimensional therefore it demands tailored

and individual solutions and services;

• Service provision for autistic people must focus on the quality of their lives, through the whole life journey and not on a minimal, low cost service;

• We must provide equality of access to health, education and everyday opportunities for autistic people, equal to that enjoyed by all other citizens;

• Services and support for autistic people are in response to a unique set of conditions which cannot be subsumed in learning disability or mental health service provision.

The strategy sets a context for future policy, funding and regulation for the next 10 years with £13.4m in resources to support it. It does so by setting out 2, 5 and 10 year goals which will require true collaboration and innovation across organisations and local authorities if they are to be achieved.

 

Our work continues as part of the ASD Reference Group in providing parallel strategic leadership in the delivery of these goals to ensure positive outcomes for people with autism in Scotland.