Dumfries and Galloway residents with autisum aren’t getting support

PEOPLE with autism in Dumfries and Galloway are not getting the support they need. Dumfries and Galloway Council has been ranked as one of the worst local authorities in Scotland for the assistance they give to adults with autism.

The report – commissioned by the National Autistic Society (NAS) – outlined the progress made over the last 12 months by Scotland’s 32 councils in two key areas.

It looked at whether they had a clear number of how many adults with autism are in their area and whether they had named a person in charge to meet their needs.

Dumfries and Galloway is one of only two authorities, the other being Argyll and Bute, to show no evidence of progress in those areas, according to the NAS report.

The study formed part of the charity’s campaign I Exist, which was launched in Dumfries on Tuesday night.

It reveals for the first time the miserable daily reality for many hundreds of adults with autism who feel isolated, ignored and unable to access the required support.

Around 50,000 people in Scotland are affected by the brain development disorder that impairs social interaction and communication, and causes restricted and repetitive behaviour.

Shirley Dugan from Dumfries is desperately hoping that, by the time her 10-year-old son is an adult, there will be services in the region to help him lead an independent life.

Shirley, who is chairperson for the local NAS support group, told the Standard: “My son Sean has severe autism with associated learning disabilities and I am concerned for his future.

“This region is crying out for a special autism service that offers a wide range of facilities to help those suffering from what has become a hidden illness.”

Another woman who has concerns about the lack of services in the region is Lesley Flood.

She cares for her 12-year-old daughter Darcy who has severe autism with associated learning difficulties but attends a mainstream school.

Lesley, who is secretary for the local NAS group, said: “A mainstream school has been great for Darcy but I do worry about what will happen when she becomes an adult because at the moment there are no services in this region.

“I hope that by the time Darcy is older there are sufficient services to help her.”

The report also found that many sufferers were unable to access the required support and are often completely dependent on their overburdened families.

Councillor Denis Male is chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s social work committee.

He said: “The I Exist report is important in helping to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with autism and their families.

“The council is committed to supporting as many people as possible to live independently and contribute to their local communities. We draw on the full range of support available within services and the huge pool of goodwill and community spirit which is one of Dumfries and Galloway’s greatest strengths.”