Agenda item

The Panel considered the draft Slough Autism Strategy 2014-2017, produced jointly by the Council and the Slough CCG.

The Panel was reminded that Autism is defined as “a life-long invisible condition that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to other people.  It also affects how a person makes sense of the world around them”.  The three main areas of difference, which all people with autism share, are difficulties with social communication, social interaction and social imagination.

To assist the understanding of the Panel, the report presenters offered a case study describing the experience of a local young adult (‘Sam’) with autism.  This began with an extended stay in hospital following a premature birth, and continued with a challenging period at school until, after a long delay, a diagnosis of autism was made.  From this point Sam received 25 hours per week support taking him through to study at East Berkshire College, work experience with Interserve and then an apprenticeship with the Borough Council.

The Strategy sets out five local priorities to focus on over the next three years, developed taking into account the views of people with autism, their carers and other key stakeholders, as well as national priorities and changes necessary as a result of new legislation. The priorities are:

1: Improved health and wellbeing

2: Increased awareness and understanding of autism

3: Seamless transition processes

4: Improved social inclusion

5: Increased support for people with autism and their families

The impact of the new Strategy was illustrated by reference to the case study, and the action plan showed how the priorities would be implemented and where activities will be focussed.

Arising from questions and discussions, the Panel noted that:

·  Difficulties in achieving a seamless transition for children with autism into adulthood were experienced across the country and was not peculiar to Slough.  This was being addressed by Children and Adult Services working together more effectively, involving education and health services as appropriate.  The newly appointed Autism Lead working with a transition planning group was taking this forward, reinforced through better training, and a new transition protocol was being developed.  The new Care Act and the Children and Families Act recognised this priority but the funding available was still insufficient.

·  Diagnosis of autism was now more sophisticated identifying people right across the autism spectrum.  Many diagnosed children were managing in mainstream schools with appropriate support while others needed specialist care in an environment where their anxiety levels were minimised.

·  With regard to increasing awareness of autism, the Council had developed and delivered a programme of training in-house and for partner organisations which enabled staff to feel more confident about meeting the needs of people with autism.  This gave a clearer understanding about the numbers of people with autism and ensured it was taken into account in the planning and delivery of local services.  An e-learning autism module was also planned.

·  The Strategy included the ‘whole family’ approach which offered support not only to people with autism but also to their families and carers.

Resolved –

(a)  That the Slough Joint Autism Strategy be endorsed.

(b)  That special emphasis be placed on the importance of the transition processes and the continuation and completion of the training programme.

(c)  That any places available on any forthcoming training sessions be offered to Councillors.