A new strategy has launched today (March 5) which aims to make the Isle of Man a more Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) friendly Island.
The main focus of the Strategy is to create a more inclusive environment that fosters understanding, acceptance and support for people with ASC, addressing the main issues raised by the community in the 2022 consultation.
The strategy sets out six long-term goals:
- Increase community awareness and acceptance of ASC;
- Reduce health and social care inequalities for people with ASC;
- Provide high-quality, safe, and clear all-age pathways for diagnosis and support;
- Improve professional awareness and capability across public service providers;
- Improve access, support, and transitions to education at all levels;
- Improve everyday experiences of people with ASC, their carers, and families.
Each goal has a clear set of actions to be delivered in the next 12 months, with a particular focus on healthcare and education.
Autism friendly island
Specific actions include undertaking public information campaigns to raise awareness and acceptance of ASC and of the reasonable adjustments that can be made by businesses and workplaces.
Compulsory training will also be introduced for public service staff, information will be more easily available for assessment and support, and work will be carried out to ensure that medications are not the only form of intervention offered after a diagnosis.
The school ASC advisory service will be extended and an Inclusive Education Policy, based on the Additional Educational Need (AEN) Code of Practice, will be brought into use.
The full strategy is available to read on the National Autism Spectrum Condition Strategy webpage, along with an Easy Read version for people with learning disabilities.
Resources and advice for businesses and individuals about communication, reasonable adjustments and employee support can be found through the Autism Acceptance webpage.
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