(UK) Warwickshire: 5 year plan to improve lives of autistic people

Feb 23, 2022, Warwickshire.gov.uk: New Autism Strategy approved for Coventry and Warwickshire https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/news/article/2774/new-autism-strategy-approved-for-coventry-and-warwickshire

Central England

A new five-year Autism strategy for adults, children and young people across Coventry and Warwickshire has been approved. The announcement means that the strategy has now been adopted by the key organisations who lead on autism services across the region, and Coventry City Council joins Warwickshire County Council, NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and the Warwickshire Autism Partnership Board in giving their approval to the strategy. The new Autism Strategy commits the partner organisations to commissioning high quality autism services and support, as well as working closely with one another to build local communities that are more inclusive and welcoming for autistic people and to improve the lives and opportunities for autistic children, young people, and adults. This five-year local strategy has been coproduced with support from a wide range of people, including autistic people and their families and people working in services and organisations that support autistic people. This has built a shared understanding of the experience of autistic people of all ages and their families in accessing support appropriate to their needs and getting a formal diagnosis of autism…. Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Coventry City Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “Although progress has been made in recent years, the fact remains that autistic people continue to experience inequalities due to gaps in services and support, which is why this joined-up strategy is needed. A priority in the first year is to aim to reduce waiting times for a diagnosis and pre and post diagnostic support, as well as reducing the numbers of autistic people admitted to mental health hospitals. There is still a lot to do but all partners committing to the strategy is a significant step forward.” …