Scottish Autism’s Founders House in Alloa has been shortlisted for the National Autistic Society's prestigious Autism Professionals Awards.

Founders House is a finalist in the Outstanding Adult Services Award. The service was shortlisted by an independent panel of autism specialists, who were looking for high standards of innovation, creativity, impact and sustainability. The winners will be announced at a special ceremony on 7 March 2019 in Birmingham, as part of the National Autistic Society’s Professional Conference.

In July 2018 Scottish Autism opened their newest residential development, Founders House. Scottish Autism’s mission is to enable people with autism through ‘the whole life journey’, and Founders House has been designed to recognise the changing support needs of older autistic adults and those living with additional health and mobility challenges.

Principles of individualisation and future-proofing have been at the fore of the service design, with a mixture of self-contained flats and shared communal spaces enabling a high level of personalisation whilst preventing risks of social isolation and recognising the value of supportive communities.

The annual Autism Professionals Awards were launched in 2013 to recognise people, services and schools across the UK who are making a difference to autistic people and their families. By celebrating their achievements, the National Autistic Society hopes to increase public understanding of autism and inspire other people and organisations to make a difference too. There are 12 awards for individuals and organisations, covering education, health, social care, employment, and volunteering.

There are around 700,000 autistic people in the UK. Being autistic means someone sees, hears and feels in a different, often more intense way to other people, which can make the world a very overwhelming place.

Every autistic person is different and many people also have a learning disability, mental health problems or other conditions. With understanding and tailored support, autistic people can live full and rewarding lives – whether in education, work or living as independently as possible.

Jill Ferguson, Service Manager at Scottish Autism said: “I’m delighted that Founders has been shortlisted in the Autism Professionals Awards 2019. As people get older, there is a risk of becoming socially isolated or having to move into a non autism-specific care setting to meet their physical needs. With this new service, we have created an environment that is fit for purpose now but can also be adapted for the future.”

Carol Povey, Director of the National Autistic Society’s Centre for Autism, said: “We run the Autism Professionals Awards each year to recognise and celebrate the people, projects and organisations doing amazing things for autistic children, adults, or their families.

“All the finalists should be commended for impressing the judges and standing out among so many excellent nominations.  

“By celebrating their achievements, we hope to improve public understanding of autism and inspire other people and organisations to make a difference too.”

Find out more about autism, the Autism Professionals Awards and the Professional Conference by visiting: www.autism.org.uk/professionals