Local
organisations will be able to access new tools from today that
will help improve the health and wellbeing of adults with autism,
announced Care Services Minister Paul Burstow. The new tools have
been launched on the eve of World Autism Day.
‘Fulfilling and rewarding lives: Evaluating Progress’ is a new
Department of Health self assessment resource which will be
available online. It is to be used locally and clearly sets out
what local authorities need to achieve to implement the Adult
Autism Strategy and allows adults with autism, their families,
carers and representative groups to see what progress is being
made in their local area and how this compares across the country.
They will be able to monitor improvements including:
whether there is increased access to servicesIf more adults with
autism have received a personal budgetwhether there is increased
satisfaction with local serviceswhether adults with autism, their
family and carers have greater involvement in service planningIf
there is increased confidence in the accuracy of diagnostic
services, andwhether healthcare professionals are able to identify
signs of autism
The Department of Health has also funded a series of on-line
training resources and booklets that will increase awareness and
understanding of autism across all public services.
Care Services Minister Paul Burstow said:
“For too long adults with autism have not been getting
appropriate care and support to help improve their health and
wellbeing.
“This is not acceptable and the Government has been clear that we
are committed to improving health outcomes for those with autism
so that they can lead fulfilling and rewarding lives.
“These new tools will help local authorities to drive change and
create locally led, personalised services for adults with autism.
We hope to see changes starting to take shape across the country
shortly and an improvement in services and patient experience.”
Notes to Editors
1. For more information about World Autism Day please visit www.worldautismawarenessday.org
2. For further information, please contact the Department of
Health Newsdesk on 020 7210 5221.
Contacts:
Department of Health
Phone: 020 7210 5221
NDS.DH@coi.gsi.gov.uk