Evaluation of the Scottish Strategy for Autism

This document summarizes evaluations of various autism strategies in Scotland, focusing on their effectiveness and impact on the autistic community. The Scottish Strategy for Autism, launched in 2011 and updated in subsequent years, aimed to improve the lives of autistic individuals by promoting inclusion and addressing inequalities, with a focus on health, choice, independence, and citizenship. The evaluation employed mixed methods, including research, interviews, workshops, and surveys, revealing that while awareness and services have improved, challenges remain in implementation and sustainability, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Another evaluation of specific initiatives like the Autism Toolbox and the Autism Innovation and Development Fund showed progress in professional training and resource development but noted issues with consistent service delivery and policy representation. A critique of the autism strategy in Renfrewshire highlighted its ineffectiveness and called for an external inquiry, pointing out the conflation of autism with learning disabilities, removal of legal rights, and inadequate housing. The evaluations collectively conclude that, despite some advancements, ongoing efforts and collaboration with the autistic community are essential for systemic change and maintaining service improvements. Concerns about merging autism with learning disability strategies were also raised, emphasizing the need for specific support for autism services. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: The Scottish Government (The Scottish Government)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Process evaluation
• Process methods: Other
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: September 2021

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Links to published evaluations (DEBUGGING): No final report link found.
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes