BARNSLEY Council and NHS South Yorkshire have launched a new All Age Autism Strategy for the next five years.

The strategy has been developed alongside local health and care organisations and professionals, with feedback from people with lived experience of autism at every step of the way.

The new borough-wide approach focuses on the six commitments for children, young people and adults with autism.

These are improving understanding of autism, improving access to education, supporting people with autism into employment, tackling health and care inequalities, building the right support and improving support within the criminal and youth justice systems.

Ian Walker, of NHS South Yorkshire, said: “Over the past year, we have been gathering the views and experiences of people with lived experience of autism, as well as professionals who work in the field.

“This includes children, young people, adults, parents, carers, and the professionals who support them.

“Their feedback has been crucial in shaping our new borough-wide strategy.

“The strategy has been developed collaboratively with people with lived experience of autism, parents and carers, local organisations and professionals reflecting a shared commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.

“The vision of this strategy is to create a Barnsley that is truly autism friendly, where every individual can have the same opportunities as anyone else to live rewarding and fulfilling lives whatever their age.”