Awards to celebrate autism successes

A national awards scheme celebrating the successes of people with autism is to be set up as part of a Scottish Government initiative to improve life for people with the condition.

The Government says the awards would also be used to highlight “innovation and best practice in autism services”.

The move is one of a series of measures being brought in as part of updated autism strategy, which aims to improve life for the 47,000 Scots who are estimated to have the condition.

It sets out priorities for action over the period to 2021, with ministers pledging national public awareness campaigns to improve public understanding of autism.

In addition, the Scottish Government has said it will work with universities that run teacher training courses, so student teachers can be more aware of the needs of autistic pupils.

Work will also be done to ensure parents with autism get more support, as well as establishing what needs to be done to help elderly people with the condition.

Autistic people and their families should also receive tailored information about help that is available in their local community.

Since 2015 the Scottish Government has invested more than £2 million with 40 autism charities, helping some 6,000 people.

Mental Health Minister Maureen Watt said: “Autistic people and their families were clear they needed better and more easily accessible information about support.

“And I want to make sure we are doing everything we can to make sure the public and those who provide care and education are not just aware of the needs of autistic people, but their successes and contributions as well.”

Maureen Watt.