Aberdeenshire Autism Strategy 2023 - 2028

To view details about our work around developing the Aberdeenshire Autism Strategy, please visit https://engage.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/towards-an-autism-strategy-for-aberdeenshire

To help us develop Aberdeenshire’s Autism Strategy, we coordinated and delivered an Engagement Phase to seek the views from people of Aberdeenshire. Our main purpose was to find out – What should be in the next Aberdeenshire Autism Strategy?

The Engagement Phase of our Strategy began in April 2022 and ended in September 2022. During this period, we carried out various engagement work with members of the public, professionals and other organisations. We reached out and engaged in discussions with children, young people and adults. We also engaged with parents, carers of autistic individuals and representatives from partners, such as the NHS and from third sector organisations.

We welcomed especially autistic individuals and individuals who self-identify as autistic to take part in our discussions.

We asked

Stakeholders were asked to reflect on the following key areas in relation to support/services provided either by Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership or Aberdeenshire Council’s Education & Children’s Services.

1. What is currently working well?
2. What is currently working but needs some improvements?
3. What is currently not working well?
4. What are the gaps and barriers?
5. What needs to happen to improve planning, delivery of services and support for autistic children, autistic young people, autistic adults and older autistic adults in Aberdeenshire, and how?

We used the following communication methods:

• Online based discussion groups
• Online surveys
• Comment and feedback via email
• School pupils supported by staff to share their views
• Workings with families
• Use of social media
• Creation of a dedicated webpage
• Creation of a dedicated autism strategy email account

You said

• Total of 74 group participants attended across four online-based Themed discussion groups (A Healthy Life, Choice & Control, Independence and Active Citizenship). These groups met on a fortnightly basis. Attendance varied from week to week.
• Total of 10 individuals attended an autistic-led group.
• 9 individuals attended across four online based evening group sessions.
• 25 online surveys were submitted.
• Aberdeenshire Council schools - through the teachers and with their support, we asked the school aged children and young persons to complete an online survey. 33 surveys were completed.
• 1:1 feedbacks were received by email.

What we did/will do

We analysed all the responses, feedback, comments and data given, and we identified the following seven key themes which have been incorporated into the Autism Strategy Report and Action Plan:

1. Whole Lifespan – Meeting the needs of autistic people from birth to death by supporting them to access appropriate support and services from our organisations, third sector and from the wider community.
2. Diagnostic Pathways (Children, Young People, Adults and Older Adults): Supporting the delivery of a clear autistic assessment pathway and transitions process.
3. Training - Supporting training, learning and development to improve knowledge and understanding for those who work in Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services and Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership who support autistic people.
4. Lifelong Learning – Delivering inclusive support wherever learning takes place
5. Employment – Enhancing employment opportunities and pathways to enhance the skills and experiences of autistic people.
6. Connecting: Keeping autistic people and their families connected to information and their communities.
7. Community: Building a community that is inclusive, accepting and knowledgeable.

Our Action Plan sets out our strategic aims, actions and outcomes.