Building foundations for change: Developing Autism and Aspergers services in Southend

Healthwatch Southend has created this report to follow up on their 2014 report, published after a Healthwatch Southend public event where local services for people with Autism and Asperger's were discussed.

The aim of this second report is to update on the development of services in Southend for people with Autism and Asperger's. The report briefly summarises the current policy and legislation around Autism. Local authorities must take this legislation into account when developing their strategies for accommodating and meeting the needs of people with Autism Spectrum Conditions. It looks at the work that has been carried out by Southend Borough Council in developing a local Autism Strategy and cites the relationship between Southend Borough Council and the charity Supporting Asperger Families in Essex (SAFE) as an example of a local authority working in partnership with a third sector organisation towards a common goal: In this case increased awareness of Autism Spectrum Conditions, better Autism-specific services, and more inclusive public services.

The report also highlights the need for good quality bespoke care for people with Autism Spectrum Conditions and focusses on the South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT) Asperger's Service as an example of a well-regarded programme of care and support that is already operating in Southend, and reviews the efforts of public services to adapt to the recent Autism legislation, using the local Jobcentre as an example.

Following the initial event, Supporting Asperger Families in Southend (SAFE) were invited by Southend Borough Council to have a representative on the Learning Disability Partnership Board. This was intended as an interim position while an Autism Partnership Board was established. Southend Borough Council have begun rolling out appropriate training to staff, including those who will be carrying out Social Care Assessments.

The report also notes that the Autism Partnership Board will act as a forum where representatives from public services can be invited to attend and discuss the ways they could increase accessibility and user-friendliness for people with Autism Spectrum Conditions. It is hoped that this will bring about far-reaching change in Southend.

Healthwatch Southend conclude that Services for people with Autism and Asperger’s in Southend will continue to evolve over 2015 and that they will continue to monitor the progress of these developments.