Autism in Darlington

Darlington Borough Council and Health services will improve the lives of people with autism in the following five ways so that the improvements the Government have said need to be made happen in Darlington.

1. Finding out if you have autism

The way in which people can find out if they have autism will be made easier. 
People will know where to go to find out if they have autism and information about autism will be available.

2. Training

The council will give staff training so they understand about autism or can support people better.

3. Moving from children’s services to adults services

This is called "transitions". Young people with autism will move from Children’s Services into Adult Services more easily.

There is a new team which brings Adults and Children’s services together, called the Life Stages Team

4. Local Planning and Leadership

There is a leader for the Council and a leader for Health.

The Council are improving their records to include information about autism. This will make planning for people with autism and their families easier.

Information on what is needed for people with autism and their carers has been gathered and will be used to improve services in the future.

5. Other areas to be improved

• Employment Darlington are looking at what support there is for people with autism within employment and how this can be improved.
• People with autism will know what local services and support exists that can meet their needs. Website pages and information sheets will be developed
• People with autism and their families play an important role in designing and planning services. Local people with autism and their families are to be more involved in developing services.