A 2-year project ran from May 2005 to May 2007, which reviewed services for adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) in the Highland Council/NHS Highland area and made recommendations to Chief Officers in Community Care on how services should be developed. This project included a focus on the transition from childhood to adulthood, and was funded by the Scottish Executive.
This project had no budget for the development of new services. The project reviewed current service provision, found out the highest-priority needs of service users and carers, and made recommendations on how available resources could be better used. Recommendations were formed through consultation with adults with ASDs, parents, carers and service providers. Chief Officers considered Outline Recommendations in December 2006 and will consider the project’s Final Recommendations in future.
A summary of the outcomes from this project can be found in the final project newsletter (see right).
The project had an Autism Development Officer, Simon Webster, who was based in Social Work Services. The project was run by a multi-agency Planning Group. A group for adults with ASDs (the Consultation Group) and a group for parents or partners/spouses (the Carers Group) met in advance of Planning Group meetings, and the Planning Group's work incorporated the work of these groups. The Planning Group consisted of representatives from the Consultation Group and the Carers Group; from the voluntary sector; and from the statutory sector (Social Work, Education, Children's Services and NHS Highland). Both the Consultation and Carers Groups met in Inverness, but people who couldn’t attend meetings were able to send contributions by post or by email in advance of meetings.
The Consultation Group has now become Autism Rights Group Highland (argh!). Kerry Brook is the argh Chairperson and can be contacted at arghighland@hotmail.co.uk.
The project was independently evaluated by the National Centre for Autism Studies at the University of Strathclyde. A final evaluation report will be produced in May 2007. The contact person for the evaluation is Donellen Mackenzie: donellen.mackenzie@highland.gov.uk, or by post at Social Work Services, FREEPOST IV1069, Kinmylies Building, Leachkin Road, Inverness, IV3 8BR.