Craegmoor Welcomes The First National Autism Strategy

Responding to the Government's Strategy for Adults with Autism in England, Craegmoor's Quality Development Advisor for Autism, Sue Hatton, said:

4 March 2010

"We welcome the publication of the first national autism strategy and would encourage everyone, from commissioners and providers of support to individuals living with autism, to read it and sign up to the aspirations it expresses.

"In these challenging economic times we understand that additional funding is difficult to secure. The allocation of £500,000 for training of frontline staff to recognise and understand autism is a welcome start, although we would urge the Department of Health to consider additional investment where possible. However, it is also critical that local authorities 'ring fence' existing funds to meet their obligations. We understand that all local authorities and health services face some very tough decisions over the coming years, but the right investment in support for people with autism will reap savings elsewhere.

"The strategy also challenges independent providers to deliver improved services to people with autism and Craegmoor is leading the way here. We are working with Birmingham University's Autism Research Centre and with the people we support to ensure that our training plans are the best that they can be. I am confident that, when the strategy's guidelines are published at the end of this month, the partnerships Craegmoor has put in place will ensure that we are meeting and indeed exceeding expectations."