Gibson welcomes new autism guidance

04/04/08
News release
Immediate release

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has welcomed the Scottish Government approach to improve services to those affected by autism.

New guidance will be offered to enhance community health and social care services for people with autism. It will offer best practice examples as well as recommendations including awareness training for all staff and involving people with autism in the planning of services.

As part of the new approach an Autism Toolkit is being developed to offer guidance to education authorities and schools in identifying and supporting children and young people with autism. The Autism Toolkit, which offers advice to education authorities and schools in identifying and supporting children and young people with autism, is due to be launched later this year.

Commenting on the moves Mr Gibson said:

"It is extremely important that those that are affected by autism in Scotland have a strong and effective support mechanism around them and education is a key player in that structure. We need this help for people across the north and elsewhere."

"The new guidance will improve the services open to those affected by autism. It will lead to increased awareness of issues surrounding the condition. In the twenty first century ignorance or a lack of understanding on autism is not acceptable. So this new guidance will hopefully improve the services we provide as a community to people with autism."

"The autism toolkit, when published, should go some way to address how best to ensure young people with autism are given the maximum level of support."

ENDS