Background

 

The 10 year Scottish Strategy for Autism was launched in 2011 and is jointly delivered by the Scottish Government and COSLA.

The full strategy document can be found by clicking on the following link: The Scottish Strategy for Autism  

The Outcomes and Priorities for the final 4 years of the strategy can be found by clicking on the following link:  The Scottish Strategy for Autism Outcomes and Priorities 2018 - 2021

With the Scottish Strategy for Autism coming to an end on 31st March 2021,The Scottish Government published the Autism and Learning Disability Towards Transformation Plan on 24th March 2021.  As we come out of the pandemic the plan sets out the actions needed to shape supports, services and attitudes to ensure that the human rights of autistic people and people with learning/intellectual disabilities are respected and protected and that they are empowered to live their lives, the same as everyone else.

 

Below are links to a number of associated documents, minutes of review group meetings and conference booklets.

Please contact us at ANS on 0141 444 8146 or email [email protected] for any questions or further information in relation to the National Strategy.

 

Evaluation of the Scottish Strategy for Autism

An independent review of the Scottish Government and COSLA 10-year Autism Strategy, has been published today (24.09.2021).   The strategy which comes to an end this year set out with the vision that by 2021 autistic people "would be 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.  In it's conclusions, the review states "After ten years, valuable resources have been created and new and additional services delivered.  However, real change for many autistic people, both in how they engage with services and how they are supported to live productive lives is not as evident.  To have greater impact, the services and support need to have greater reach, become embedded and be sustained".
 
"At this ten year pause point, there is an increased understanding and knowledge about what needs to be change and what works. To enable more autistic people to live a meaningful and fuller life, the future policy direction should focus on key areas and drive systemic change rather than piecemeal projects. This can only be achieved in true partnership with autistic people and collaboration across services and sectors. The current nature of engagement and tension between different interest groups spills into the way in which they are able to work together and this will need to be recognised and addressed if future collaboration is to be effective. "
 
To read the full report, please click here:  Evaluation of Scottish Strategy for Autism

 

Scottish Strategy for Autism Resources

The Autism Toolbox

The Autism Toolbox, funded by the Scottish Government, is a free online resource developed to support the inclusion of autistic learners in Scottish Early Learning and Childcare settings, Primary and Secondary Schools.  This toolkit is closely linked to the Curriculum for Excellence and the Scottish educational context.  It is managed by Education Scotland.

 

The Microsegmentation of the Autism Spectrum - research project

"Economic research on autism and implications for Scotland, including how the economic cost of autism can inform strategy and planning.  The Microsegmentation Project was funded by the Scottish Government through Scottish Autism to take forward key recommendations of the Scottish Strategy for Autism (Scottish Government, 2011).  The research team is as follows: at the University of Strathclyde - Professor Tommy MacKay (Principal Investigator), Professor James Boyle and Michael Connolly, Research Assistant; at the London School of Economics - Professor Martin Knapp, Valentina Lemmi, Research Fellow, and Amritpal Rehill, Research Officer" ∼ Scottish Government website.

 

The Scottish Strategy for Autism - Menu of Interventions

"The Scottish Autism Strategy highlights indicators of good practice for developing local autism provision and these include the development of local ASD strategies.  It is for localities to decide how these are drawn up in their area but it is recommended that there is involvement with people representing all statutory and appropriate voluntary bodies, individuals on the spectrum and families.  This guide is intended to provide a framework for the development of these strategic plans across Scotland.  It provides information, drawn from a wide range of professionals, individuals and families of people on the spectrum, regarding the challenges faced by people with ASD across the lifespan and ability range and how these might be best addressed.  This is a flexible approach which allows for the guidelines to be used both generally, across services and locations, but also, as required by individuals" ∼ Scottish Government website.

 

Principles of Good Transitions 3

This guide was developed as a result of Scotland-wide consultation in relation to autism and transitions, and has been produced by Autism Network Scotland, in collaboration with the Scottish Transitions Forum, part of the Association for Real Change (ARC) Scotland.  The supplement identifies key practice considerations, tools and resources which, along with the seven Principles of Good Transitions, will ensure autistic people and their families have access to appropriate transition planning.

 

Autism Strategy Review Group

The Autism Strategy Review Group (previously the Autism Strategy Reference Group) was established by Scottish Government to help monitor and co-ordinate implementation of the Scottish Strategy for Autism (2011).  Members of the Review Group include representatives of autistic people's organisations along with the main national charities, Autism Network Scotland, Scottish Government and COSLA.

Agendas and Minutes from the meetings 2017 - 2020 are listed below, for minutes dating from 2010, please click the following link Autism Strategy Review Group Minutes

 

Autism Strategy Review Group 2020 - 2021

 

Autism Strategy Review Group 2017 - 2019

 

National Conference Materials

 

 

Mental Welfare Commission

The mission of the Mental Welfare Commission is to be a leading and independent voice in promoting a society where people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia and related conditions are treated fairly, have their rights respected, and have appropriate support to live life the life of their choice.

ASD Themed Visit Report

"This is the first time that the Commission has undertaken a themed visit specifically looking at support for autistic people. The Commission’s strategic plan for 2017/20 commits us to prioritising people who are most vulnerable, and as part of that to develop a programme of themed visits which focuses on groups who appear to experience particular disadvantage, including borderline personality disorder and autism" ∼ Mental Welfare Commission website.

 

Additional Resources