READING Borough Council is seeking the views of residents for its new borough-wide autism strategy.
The Reading All-Age Autism Strategy has identified a number of key priorities on which the council will focus to support autistic people.
It is now opening consultation to gather feedback before it finalises the key priorities of its approach.
Currently, it has seven key areas of focus; to improve awareness and acceptance of autism; to improve support and access to young people; to increase employment and training opportunities; to tackle health and care inequalities; housing and independent living; safeguarding; and supporting family and carers.
These focus point have been laid out according to the Autism Needs Assessment, designed by autistic residents and carers, as well as stakeholder organisations and services in Reading.
John Ennis, reading’s lead councillor for adult social care said “We are determined that Reading becomes an autism friendly town where residents get all the support they need.
“Autistic people should be able to live fulfilling and rewarding lives in a society that accepts and understands them and where they are given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
“The Reading All-Age Strategy is about helping us drill down to priorities which can help make that a reality.”
He said the council wanted as many views as possible from autistic people, their families and carers on the services and support available to them.
“I’d also encourage people without any knowledge of autism to make some time to look at the consultation and the draft strategy,” he said.
“Our goal is to raise awareness of autism and work towards more autism-friendly communities, and I really look forward to seeing the difference this will make to families across Reading.”
The council works in partnership with key stakeholders such as voluntary sector organisations, education services, NHS services and the criminal justice system, who are leading the development of the strategy.
Cllr Ruth McEwan, lead councillor for education and public health, said: “The number of autistic children and young people in Reading is increasing and we want to make sure the support being offered to them and their families is the best possible.
“We believe autism is a difference, not a deficit, and recognise that the lived experience of some autistic people in our town is not yet good enough, or equal to their peers who are not autistic.
“Our education team at Brighter Futures for Children has a growth approach to autism and are a training hub for the award winning Autism Education Trust.”
She explained: “It is vital that we receive feedback from children, young people and parents to make sure we can provide the services required and so I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the autism strategy consultation.”
Consultation runs until Sunday, September 18.
Feedback can be submitted by visiting: consult.reading.gov.uk
