Funding boost for autism sufferers

Funding for projects to help autism sufferers and their families has been boosted by £500,000 a year.

The Scottish Government announced that the Autism Development Fund will be increased from £1 million to £1.5 million annually.

Public Health Minister Michael Matheson said the extra funding was being provided because of the high level of interest from local and national organisations in submitting bids for the fund.

The fund allows organisations to apply for money to for initiatives which make a difference to the lives of people with autism and their families.

The Scottish Strategy for Autism was launched last year with a £13.4 million fund over four years.

Mr Matheson said: “It’s great news for people with autism and their families that even more projects will receive money thanks to this funding boost.

“I decided to increase the level of funding because the original £1m did not meet demand from the large number of local and national organisations who submitted bids.

“The fund will help us realise our vision – that individuals on the autism spectrum are respected, accepted and valued by their communities and have confidence in services to treat them fairly so that they are able to have meaningful and satisfying lives.”