Scottish Autism has actively supported the development of The Autism Strategy for Scotland. We therefore welcomed the launch of the document on 2 November 2011.

Strategic goals spanning a ten year period afford a real opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the quality of life of individuals on the spectrum and their families.

Added to this is the recognition of the multi-dimensional nature of autism that it is distinct from learning disability and that collaborative and innovative approaches are needed to enable individuals to access services and the support they need.

“As an organisation focused on the delivery of high quality, innovative services, we believe the launch of the strategy is great news for people with autism and their families. It is an important step towards further enhancing the quality of life of those with the condition, especially as they progress into adulthood, and addressing the inequalities that many currently face in accessing health, education and everyday opportunities.

The strategy will help us reach a point where people with autism lead fuller, more productive lives with the appropriate standard of required care - which varies across the spectrum of the condition. This approach can ultimately benefit us all - if people with autism are appropriately supported we can enable them  to maximise their potential and reduce the negative interventions required to deal with those who slip through the net.

This can ultimately mean a reduction in the number of people with autism in Scottish prisons, a figure which is currently disproportionately high. It can also lead to better management of healthcare resources with early intervention services to avoid shoring up major health issues in future. Overall, it moves us towards a position where people with autism can access the same level of opportunity for participation and citizenship that others do.

Of course, we’ve a long way to go until we can put in place a model that delivers for the needs of people with all the differing forms of autism but today’s announcement is a welcome step forward.”

Alan Somerville                                                                                                                                                                                           Chief Executive                                                                                                                                                                                             Scottish Autism

Full version:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/publications/2011/11/01120340/0

An overview version:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/publications/2011/11/01120553/0

Easy read version:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/publications/2011/11/01102918/0