Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Services and Corporate Director of Adult and Health Services which provided an update as to progress following the refresh of ‘Think Autism in County Durham’: Autism Strategy for Children, Young People and Adults into an updated strategy for 2023 – 2026 (for copy of report, see file of minutes).

Councillor T Henderson, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People’s Services moved the report which was comprehensive and included a high level of detail around the ‘Think Autism’ strategy.

Councillor Chris Hood, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Adult and Health Services seconded the report and spoke of the continued support for an all-age approach to autism, which would extend the scope and impact of autism support in County Durham. Councillor Hood explained the need to work collaboratively to ensure that the voice of autistic people was not only heard, but informed opportunities available to those with autism, within education, learning and their local communities. It was vital that people with autism also helped plan accessible health and social care and their involvement in developing training for the workforce. Through collaboration, the Council could ensure that people of all ages on the autism spectrum have the opportunities, advice and support that enabled them to live filling and rewarding lives, within a society that accepts and understands them.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.