Background
In response to the Autism Act (2009) and the autism strategy, Fulfilling and rewarding lives, the Department of Health has commissioned several projects to work on specific elements of the autism strategy.
The autism strategy presents very clear expectations about its implementation, so it is vital that the appropriate bodies work together to identify any challenges and plan relevant and cost-effective ways forward.
Our project
The National Autistic Society (NAS) was funded to develop an online resource for professionals that will support them in delivering the strategy. This resource is available at www.autism.org.uk/autismstrategy and will reflect regional and national developments.
The NAS has worked with local authorities, healthcare commissioners and providers, to draw out the issues which concern them about the delivery of the strategy. We have hosted a series of focus groups with commissioners and providers in each of the four NAS regions: Central, North, South West and South East.
The data collected from these groups was presented at a national meeting of high-level decision-makers on 17 December 2010 and has influenced the content and information of this website resource.
Meeting of senior leaders
We hosted a national meeting for senior leaders to hear about the statutory guidance for health and social care bodies, which aims to ensure the implementation of the autism strategy. The guidance was launched at the event by the Government's Care Services Minister, Paul Burstow. Expert speakers also discussed key issues and the latest research, plus workshops enabled professionals to explore, showcase and share good practice.
Below, speakers and attendees at the meeting talk about the importance of the statutory guidance.
Find out more about this meeting here.