Towards an Autism Strategy for Europe
Scottish Autism was represented as part of the Celtic Nations Autism Partnership which brings together Northern Ireland, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and Wales to work together in advocating for effective policies to support people with autism.
There are currently around 3.3 million people in the European Union who have autism, yet in most European countries there are not enough basic services to meet their needs, and coordination of services at national level is often poor.
Scotland and some other European nations have developed successful national strategies to identify and meet these needs. By coordinating national policy across a range of fields – education, health, justice, employment, social care, research and others – we ensure a better quality of life for people with autism.
The seminar presented an opportunity for members of the Celtic Nations Autism Partnership to discuss elements of their national strategies and compare policy approaches and criteria for success. Later, the delegates considered the European context and consider the possibility of a Europe-wide strategy for autism.
Alan Somerville (centre), CEO of Scottish Autism, addresses delegates in Brussels.
