The University of Strathclyde has hosted a number of successful Autism Network Scotland events in recent months. On Friday 29th January, the Autism Strategy Collaborative: Business Meeting and Development Workshops offered Local Authority Lead Officers for Autism the opportunity to be updated on the progress of the National Strategy and current National Policy. Delegates also discussed the role of communication in successful implementation of local autism plans, as well as how we might break down barriers in communication between the autistic community and local autism leads.

Prior to this, The Scottish Strategy for Autism Fourth Annual Conference took place on December 8, 2015 at the Technology and Innovation Centre. The event’s theme was “Good Autism Practice” and centred around three major topics – local authorities, transitions and employment. Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, delivered a keynote speech to start the day, before further presentations and workshops on each of the three major themes. Delegates were then given time to network and to visit the Marketplace, where several organisations who had successful Autism Development Fund projects were on hand to discuss their examples of good autism practice. Also in the Marketplace, a set of posters showing how organisations had innovated since last year’s conference were on display. 

The following day, on December 9th, Autism Network Scotland and NHS Education for Scotland held the Good Practice Symposium for Support & Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders at the University’s Collins Suite. The symposium aimed to identify and present examples of good autism practice in health and social care settings. Findings from the day will be used to create a good autism practice guide.

Forthcoming ANS events at the University include Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Early Years on Saturday 12th March at the Insight Institute, and Good Practice in Education on Monday 21st March in the Collins Suite.