Scots thrown £13m lifeline for autism care

More than £13 million is to be used to help improve the care and support of people with autism in Scotland, the Scottish Government has announced.

The cash will create services for the estimated 50,000 Scots with an autistic condition, including local co-ordinators to provide information, advice and support for people with autism and their families.

The Scottish Government also wants to create new drop-in centres for people with autism across Scotland.

Yesterday the autism strategy was launched at Number 6 in Edinburgh, a centre for adults with high-functioning autism, or Asperger’s syndrome. These adults are often of above-average intelligence but experience problems in social situations.

There are currently only two such centres operating in Scotland, the other in Glasgow.

Of the 50,000 Scottish people with autism, only 7,500 are known to local authorities, meaning many may not be getting the help they need with employment and other aspects of their life.

The strategy also includes helping people access social care services and supporting them to find and stay in employment.

Public health minister Michael Matheson said they had been able to put an extra £3.4m into the strategy on top of the £10m already pledged to improve autism services.

“Part of the reason for doing that is to start making a difference as quickly as possible and provide a good opportunity at an early stage to put in place some of the provision that will be necessary to take the strategy forward at a local level,” he said.

“Local co-ordinators will be able to work at co-ordinating services in an area in a way that makes sure that we get started to get services being planned at a local level.”

Experts also believe that early diagnosis is key if people with autistic disorders are to lead productive and successful lives.

Mr Matheson said: “It is a complex condition to diagnose but there is an issue around it being diagnosed as early as possible because autism is a whole life experience.

“It will impact on a child’s educational attainment and right through into their employment.

“That’s why we need to make sure that services are identifying those who may have autism and also that they are provided with information and assistance at the right time.

“The right information at the right time can make all the difference.”

Dr Robert Moffat, national director of The National Autistic Society (NAS) Scotland, welcomed the new strategy.

“Currently those expected to help people with autism, such as local authorities, health, welfare and education services often fail to do so, because they don’t recognise autism, or understand its impact,” he said.

“The government faces significant challenges but we look forward to this commitment bringing about meaningful outcomes for the 50,000 Scots with the condition.”

Alan Somerville, chief executive of Scottish Autism, said the launch of the strategy was “great news”. He said: “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.”