Autism (health and wellbeing needs in South Tyneside)

The national strategy for autistic children, young people and adults: 2021 to 2026, has identified 6 themes which it is felt will make a significant change in an autistic person's life. 

They are:

• Improving understanding and acceptance of autism within society.
• Improving autistic children and young people's access to education, and supporting positive transitions into adulthood.
• Supporting more autistic people into employment.
• Tackling health and care inequalities for autistic people.
• Building the right support in the community and supporting people in inpatient care.
• Improving support within the criminal and youth justice systems.

Co-production

Following an event which took place which autistic people were invited to, families told us:

• Transitions from children to adults' services could be improved by closer partnership working.
• Earlier and ore specific careers advice for autistic young people would be beneficial.
• Enhanced support and training for school staff, would improve professional's understanding and approach to making reasonable adjustments. A more consistent understanding across education settings would better support preparation for adulthood.
• Increased consistency in application of reasonable adjustments within services. Piloting a "walkthrough" of mental health services would be helpful for people with autism to know what to expect when they attend appointments.
• Autistic people told us that it's important that they live as independently as possible and are part of the local community, close to friends and family. 
• Greater understanding and awareness of potential support (such as how to access the Disabled Facilities Grant).

The feedback collated from autistic residents and their carers was utilised to jointly develop an all-age Autism Strategy.