Introduction - universal autism support

We're inviting those who have experience of universal autism support services, available currently through Autism West Midlands in Shropshire, to take part in a community engagement exercise to share their views and experience to help in the review and shaping of future services.

We're keen to engage with the market to understand the opportunities available to shape our approach to commissioning. Universal autism support commissioning is due to go to tender in November 2024 with a new contract starting 1 April 2025.

The beneficiaries of the universal autism service are parents, carers and families of children and young people with autistic traits aged 0-18, who have autistic traits or a diagnosis of autism. A formal diagnosis for autism isn't required. The service extends to provide training and signposting for professionals who support families in the community.

With increasing trajectories of autism at local and national level, autism support services are needed to equip parents and family members with specific knowledge and skills, so they can better support the children and young people at home/in the community, providing a tangible benefit to the whole family and supporting children and young people in line with early intervention and prevention strategies of support. The service offers one-to-one support for the family and individual child/young person encouraging self-awareness and improving self-management skills.

We're inviting members of the public and our stakeholders to provide their feedback through an online survey. The purpose is to gather the views of as many people in Shropshire as possible. The survey will close on 24 September 2024.

Partner organisations are encouraged to contribute including housing providers, public sector organisations, voluntary and community sector services and many others working with people in need of housing support.

You can have your say by clicking the 'How to get involved' tab on this page.

You can also respond with any comments in writing:

• Email: Please title your email ‘Universal Autism Support’ and email your comments to TellUs@shropshire.gov.uk
• Post: Feedback and Insight Team, Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shropshire SY2 6ND