A £1.5m partnership will provide a new care facility for Scots diagnosed with autism.
East Dunbartonshire Council has joined forces with the National Autistic Society (NAS) Scotland to fully refurbish an existing house to cater to the needs of three local people.
The three youngsters all suffer from autism and have learning disabilities, and the new home will allow them to receive specialized professional care close to home, family and friends for the first time.
Staff skilled in autism support, including speech, language and behavior specialists, will be on hand 24 hours a day at the site which has been named Pine View.
NAS Scotland claims it will also work very closely with the wider community to help raise awareness of autism and build positive links with local people and services, including a recruitment drive to fill 18 new full time equivalent posts.
NAS Scotland is pushing hard for autism diagnosis and support services to be provided at a community level like this right across the country, and applauded East Dunbartonshire Council for making that commitment.
NAS Scotland Director Jenny Paterson said: “Our Positive Behavior Support (PBS) model is based on proactive approaches to not only improve people’s quality of life but also their integration into the local community.
Delighted
“We are delighted to be able to offer this high-quality and brand new supported living service for young people with autism in partnership with East Dunbartonshire Council. We are confident it will be well received both by those living in the development and their families.”
Councillor Michael O’Donnell, Convener of the Social Work Committee at East Dunbartonshire Council, said, “This is a great example of the partnership work taking place within East Dunbartonshire and the council is happy to support an approach that can help improve people’s lives and embodies all the principles of person-centred care.”
For more information on the type of services provided by the National Autistic Society Scotland see www.autism.org.uk/scotland.
