MSP Welcomes Bid to Improve Autism Services

MSP for Central Scotland and Strathaven resident, Linda Fabiani, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s moves to improve services for those affected by autism. New guidance is to be made available to enhance community health and social care services for people with autism. The guidance 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.

An Autism Toolkit is also being developed to offer guidance to education authorities and schools in identifying and supporting children and young people with autism. The Autism Toolkit is due to be launched later this year.

Commenting on the new guidance Ms Fabiani said:

“With over 2,500 people in South Lanarkshire affected by autism it is vital that we ensure they have a strong support network around them and education is a key part of this.

“By providing new guidance the Scottish Government is aiming to improve the services open to those affected by autism and increasing knowledge on the issues surrounding the condition.

“I look forward to seeing the publication of the Autism Toolkit which will address how best to ensure young people with autism are given the maximum level of support. I am sure this will provide much reassurance to the families of people who have autism.

”I would also like to see the UK Government ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 

“It is a year since the UK Government signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities yet it has still not ratified it. Ratification could bring additional rights for disabled people in Scotland and across the whole of the UK.

“Formal ratification of the treaty would deliver a package of measures that will support and enhance the lives and rights of disabled people. It should be given whole hearted support by the UK Government as soon as possible.”