Consultation launched over autism services

A consultation about how to meet the needs of people with autism has been launched amid growing concerns about the support available.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison launched the three-month consultation on developing an autism strategy.

The document, “Towards an Autism Strategy for Scotland”, sets out Scottish Government proposals on how best to meet the needs of people with autism spectrum disorder.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates and relates to people around them.

Ms Robison said: “We need to ensure individuals are included and truly integrated into society as valued citizens.

“To make this aspiration a reality means having access to personalised support when it is needed in education, in social care, in healthcare, as well as in enabling individuals to contribute to the economy through employment.”

The draft strategy contains 26 recommendations, including one which suggests service providers develop a “menu of interventions” that are immediately available to users. Interventions include therapy and counselling.

Another recommendation is that the Autism Spectrum Disorder Reference Group should host an event to evaluate and recognise good practice.

Ms Robison said: “Our long-term vision needs a major shift in society’s attitudes towards autism.

“This will only be achieved through partnership working between central and local government and the independent sector.

“I look forward to hearing Scotland’s views on the strategy and working together to improve services for people living with autism and their carers.”

The consultation ends on December 9.