North Yorkshire Council wants views on autism plan

People with autism still face many challenges, North Yorkshire Council says

A consultation will open later this month on plans for a new council strategy to help people with autism.

North Yorkshire Council said its draft All-Age Autism Strategy had been developed with input from those with the condition.

Bodies including the NHS and North Yorkshire Police have also been involved, it added.

Councillor Michael Harrison said: "We want to hear from many more autistic people of all ages."

According to the council, there are more than 6,000 people living with autism in North Yorkshire.

Mr Harrison, the authority's executive member for health, said the council wants to help autistic people, as well as their families, "enjoy full, happy, and healthy lives" but added "many still face significant challenges".

The strategy would focus on a number of key areas for those with autism, such as assessment, diagnosis and support, education, employment, healthcare, housing and criminal and youth justice.

Spectrum condition

Mr Harrison said autism was often referred to as "a spectrum condition" because of its tendency to impact on people in many different ways.

"That means that many different organisations have a part to play in this, working together with autistic people of all ages and their families," he said.

"Our draft strategy has been drawn up with extensive involvement with autistic people, their families and staff who support them. Through consultation we want to hear from many more autistic people of all ages as well as the carers and practitioners who work with them."

The consultation, which will begin at the end of the month, will include online and paper surveys, local events, online webinars and visits to disability and older people forums. Further details will be posted on the council's website.