Autism campaigners in calls for support, with families at ‘crisis point’

Autism campaigners in the north-east have supported calls for concrete action on the “startling” issues facing Scots with autism and learning disabilities.

Edward Fowler, advocate for charity ASK Autism North East, said families in Aberdeen are “crying out for support”, with parents close to “having nervous breakdowns” over a lack of assistance.

Aberdeenshire West MSP Alexander Burnett won support for a members’ debate in Holyrood on the need for further support for those with autism and learning disabilities.

Mr Fowler said: “We’ve got a Facebook page with 600 people on it and they’re crying out for support in education, social work and employment. They’re at crisis point in Aberdeen. There is no long-term strategy.”

An investment of £35,000 was given to all Scottish local authorities to develop local autism plans in 2011, with Aberdeen City Council signing one off in 2015 and updating it in 2019 to last until 2022.

Mr Fowler claims many of the strategy’s initial recommendations have “never been implemented”.

Grampian Autistic Society CEO Billy Alexander says the pandemic has had a “massive impact” on those with autism.

An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said: “Autism training and autism awareness-raising remains a service priority reflected within our workforce development plan for children’s social work and within the professional learning offer for education staff ”.

The Scottish Government said it is fully committed to ensuring autistic people and those with learning disabilities get the help to achieve their potential.