Progress on the development of an all-age approach to autism in County Durham will be heard by councillors next week.
Durham County Council’s Cabinet will hear of a new joint strategic approach, developed through partnership working with adult and health services and children and young people’s services, when it meets on Wednesday, 3 April.
Autism affects each individual differently and a person on the autism spectrum may experience difficulties with social communication, social interaction and thinking. Until recently the needs of children with autism in the county have been addressed separately from adults.
Following the council’s Health and Wellbeing Board meeting in September 2018, it was agreed that there should be a combined ‘Think Autism in County Durham’ action plan and an overarching all-age strategy for 2018-20. The aim of this approach is to improve support for individuals during the transition from childhood through to adulthood.
If approved by councillors the strategy will be launched as part of World Autism Awareness Week, which runs from Monday 1 to Sunday 7 April. During the week the council will be working to raise awareness of the range of services and support available around the county.
Information stands and representatives from a range of organisations will be available in the Durham Room in County Hall, on Wednesday 3 April between 10am and 12 noon, Thursday 4 April from 1pm to 3pm and Friday 5 April 9.30am to 3.30pm to offer advice and guidance to individuals, parents and professionals. There will be information leaflets available across the full three days and everyone is welcome.
