Our Deputy Chief Executive Charlene Tait, has been commissioned by the Scottish Government as a key adviser on a series of projects aimed at improving the support available for autistic people and their families. Charlene will serve in this new role, whilst also continuing with her current responsibilities with us.

A key aspect of this role involves engaging directly with autistic people in the development of these projects, to ensure they encompass their own ‘real life’ lived experiences. The participants will work closely with Charlene in the development of these projects and will be remunerated for their contribution.

Charlene’s role will include working with partners across health & community services and third sector organisations in the development of a national post diagnostic toolbox which pulls together information on all the resources available to support autistic people and their families.

Additionally, Charlene’s remit will involve engagement with education colleagues within the Scottish Government and agencies, including Education Scotland, to review existing autism resources available to teachers with a view to improving autism practice in schools. Charlene’s role will also involve working with partners on autism accessibility workforce training across social care, care inspectorate and the criminal justice system.