The Scottish launch of the Celtic Nations Autism Partnership, which aims to share information, training, skills and campaign jointly on worldwide issues, was chaired by Alex Neil MSP and heard from Minister for Children and Early Years Adam Ingram as well as representatives of autism organisations from across the Celtic Nations. 

Ruth Hamptom, chair, Scottish Society for Autism, said that after 40 years of working in isolation it is very “heartening” to see the nations coming together to promote better services for people with autism. Her colleague, John McDonald, chief executive, Scottish Society for Autism, said that there is “ground breaking” work going on in Scotland that they are keen to share with other nations in the collaboration. 

Ingram said that it is through partnership approaches like this that creativity is harnessed and better solutions found that ultimately improve policy, intervention and services. He said that increasing opportunities available for people across Scotland and ensuring a sharper focus on improving public health and reducing inequalities will be a key challenge for everyone in the Scottish government. However, he added that while it is clear that there is a lot of good work being done at both national and local levels, there remains much to be taken forward if they are to achieve fair outcomes for all as a matter of right. 

The event also heard from two pupils from New Struan School - a centre for autism in Alloa. Murray MacDonald and Otis Berry made a plea to the politicians present for more special schools for people with autism with specially trained staff. They said: “Autistic people in mainstream schools can find it difficult under peer pressure. For example, people in mainstream schools don’t always respect people who are different and try and make them like them and force them to do things they don’t want to do. 

“Sometimes people in mainstream schools find it easier to blame the autistic person for the bad things that have happened.  

“People with autism find it hard to be assertive with others and need staff or parent support to stand up for themselves.” 

They pointed out that when they leave school they will still have autism and so may need continuing support with things like paying taxes and bills, finding and keeping a suitable job, washing, relationships, finding friends and affordable housing. 

For more information visit: www.autism-in-scotland.org.uk