Support for teachers in Scotland to better understand autism

The Scottish Government has updated its Scottish Strategy for Autism to make sure autistic people and their families receive tailored information about all the local support available to them.

Actions include making sure teachers, as well as health workers and social care staff, better understand autism.

The updated strategy also includes the creation of a ‘national post-diagnostic support toolbox’ so that all information is available in one place, as well as national awards celebrating the successes of autistic people as well as innovative and excellent care.

Mental Health Minister Maureen Watt said: “Our updated plan builds on the work and progress we have made since the Scottish Government published the first strategy in 2011. Late last year we asked autistic people, their families and those working in support and care to tell us where we needed to go next. More than 1,200 people took the opportunity to share their experiences, concerns and hopes, and our updated strategy reflects this.

“Autistic people and their families were clear they needed better and more easily-accessible information about support. And I want to make sure that we are doing everything we can to make 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.”