Autism Parliamentary Network

Speech by Alison McInnes delivered to The Scottish Parliament on Thu 8th Nov 2007

I commend the National Autistic Society Scotland for its initiative in founding the autism parliamentary network, which will not only be an invaluable resource for parliamentarians, but encourage greater understanding of autism. It will also provide a forum for discussion, which I hope will lead to change and development in the provision of services for those with autism and their families. Surely all of us must be determined to see improvements to health, education and social care services for children and adults with autistic spectrum disorder.

The Scottish autism service network, which I think is unique in the United Kingdom, was developed with a £300,000 package of funding from the previous Executive. It offers diagnosis information, advice and support to a number of groups, including people with autism, their families, carers and practitioners. The intention in establishing the network was to help support local agencies throughout Scotland to deliver better services for those who are affected by ASD.

I turn to the work that Robert Brown took forward when he was the Deputy Minister for Education and Young People. I refer in particular to the formation of the ASD education working group, which has the aim of taking forward improvements, including those that were recommended by the NAS's make school make sense campaign. I ask the minister to commit tonight to carrying forward the network's work, through continued funding, and to support fully the implementation of the make school make sense recommendations.

I want further improvements in education provision for children in Scotland with autism. Personalised learning must become central to the education of every child. Learning and teaching must be flexible enough to adapt to the individual and to ensure that every child gets the very best out of their time at school.

Although there are many good examples of initiatives across Scotland, the reality is that there are still difficulties in accessing appropriate services and support, and there is disparity in provision.

In the North East Scotland region, as Nanette Milne said, the Grampian Autistic Society has operated in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire since 1988. It provides a range of specialist, targeted services. The organisation runs on a shoestring. It has relied on commissioning bodies, such as councils, recognising that it offers a specialised service and funding it appropriately.

I am concerned that Aberdeen City Council has reduced the available funding for those specific services. The effect is that, in my region, a matter of miles can determine what support is available for people. That is despite the fact that Aberdeenshire Council deals with significantly more people with ASD than Aberdeen City Council deals with, which cannot be right. The Government must ensure that adequate resources are provided to ensure that councils are not forced to reduce services because of budget pressures. I have real worries about the Scottish National Party's proposed council tax freeze and the impact that it might have on similar services in the next few years.

Several issues would benefit from early discussion in the autism parliamentary network, from the general issue of how to tackle the lack of understanding of the syndrome-which exists not only among the public but, worryingly, among education, health and care professionals-to more specific issues, such as the lack of support for adults with ASD. I look forward to participating in the network and I will do all that I can to ensure fairer access to better services for everyone with ASD in the North East Scotland region.