Gateshead Council approved its Autism Strategy for 2025-2030 today.
At full council this afternoon, elected members gathered to sign off and approve the local authority’s Autism Strategy, devised between residents, the NHS, and those who live with the condition. The strategy is built on seven priorities designed to improve the lives of Autistic persons.
According to council documents: “The strategy also recognises the disproportionate effects Autism can have on education and employment, socioeconomic exclusion, and health inequalities.”
The areas of focus are as follows:
- Pre- and post diagnostic support for all ages
- Reducing health inequalities and barriers to health and social care services
- Education and lifelong learning
- Criminal justice and youth justice
- Community inclusion and involvement
- Increasing understanding and promotion reasonable adjustments within core council services.
Now the strategy has been formally approved, seven boards, along with council partners, will be established to tackle each individual priority and develop plans for the future.
Cllr John Adams, cabinet member responsible for adult social care, and special needs teacher, said: “I would like to say this is a joint strategy with our partner in the NHS, and the integrated care board in particular. So many thanks to them for helping us work through this strategy and thanks to our officers.
“But also thanks to those with lived experiences,whether family members or teachers or individuals who have also helped us. We have tried to have a large degree of co-production for this strategy.”
Council statistics claim that the total number of Gateshead residents diagnosed as autistic from the ages of 5-18 is 1,850, equating to around 5.6% of the total age group. However, the council’s official strategy document states this is likely to be an underestimate.
