Pledge to thousands on autism spectrum

A SENIOR councillor in North Yorkshire has promised to help make sure the 7,000 people in the county on the autism spectrum are “empowered, supported and valued”.

North Yorkshire County Council has launched Autism Matters, a series of public events to help to inform future plans and priorities in England’s largest county. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others.

The authority is seeking views on work started in 2015, under The Changing Landscape of Autism in North Yorkshire, the current five-year plan for people on the autism spectrum and their families.

During October and November, people will have an opportunity to share their views on the plan, how the county council and partners have performed and where things can be improved.

The council says it is also starting to think about the next five years. Autism Matters will be open to people with autism, their families, friends and carers as well as professionals, including schools staff, service providers, health care workers, social workers and academics.

A series of forums is being run for anyone who would like to talk about autism in North Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire County Councillor Michael Harrison said: “Communication, consultation and collaboration in developing our future plans and priorities will contribute to a dynamic and meaningful plan, which will build a shared sense of ownership between people with autism, their families and professionals.

“There are an estimated 7,000 people with autism in North Yorkshire, so it’s important we get this right. We are committed to ensuring that they are empowered, supported and valued within their communities.”

Further information is available at www.northyorks.gov.uk/ autismmatters.