Views sought on autism support services in Shropshire

Shropshire Council is seeking the views from those who use autism services in the county and professionals.

Library image of woman and young girl painting: Credit Mikhail Nilov, Pexels images

The Autism West Midlands survey is part of a community engagement exercise to gather feedback from people who have used or are currently using the universal autism support services provided by Autism West Midlands in Shropshire.

The council is also seeking input from professionals who work with families affected by autism in the community. The aim of the exercise is to review and improve the service, which is due to be tendered in November 2024 and start a new contract from 1st April 2025.

Universal autism support service is available to parents, carers and families of children and young people aged 0-18 who have autistic traits or a diagnosis of autism. A formal diagnosis is not required to access the service which offers one-to-one support for the family and the individual child or young person, as well as training and signposting for professionals.

The service helps families to gain specific knowledge and skills to better support their children at home and in the community and encourages self-awareness and self-management skills for the children and young people. The service aligns with the early intervention and prevention strategies of support for autism.

Councillor Kirstie Hurst-Knight, Cabinet member for children and education, said:

“We are committed to providing high-quality and accessible support for families living with autism in Shropshire.

“With the increasing prevalence of autism at local and national levels, autism support services are vital to enhance the wellbeing and outcomes of families affected by autism. Shropshire Council is keen to engage with the market to understand the opportunities and challenges of delivering the service, and to shape its approach to commissioning the service in the future.

“We therefore want to hear from the people who have used or are using the service, as well as the professionals who work with them, to find out what works well and what could be improved.

“This is a great opportunity to have your say and help us shape the future of the service.”

To find out more and to participate, visit https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/autism-west-midlands-survey/.

The survey will run until Tuesday 24 September.