Society Video Introduction   Other Chapters: Residential Education Outreach Pre-16 Education Quality and Training Post-16 Education Fundraising Adult Services     I am proud to present this film to you as an illustration of the work and direction of Hampshire Autistic Society. The Society, having been formed by parents over 40 years ago, has now grown into the leading autism service provider in Hampshire. The Society's range of services include support at diagnosis, through the family support and to our specialist school and associated boarding establishments. Over the past few years the Society has strengthened and developed these services whilst recognising that with transition being critical to our students and adult service users we need to ensure that the further education and adult services are person centred and allow for individuals to move from service to service as their needs dictate. The Society's adult services now include Domiciliary Support, Supported Living, Residential Homes and a Day Service. I hope that you enjoy the film and please open the door of communication with Hampshire Autistic Society. Andrew Monaghan Chief Executive Officer   The Autism Act and Autism Strategy   This year has been probably the most significant year ever for people with Autism with the introduction of the Autism Act and more latterly the Autism Strategy and Delivery Plan. I am proud of the role that Hampshire Autistic Society played in lobbying the Government of the day that hopefully played some part in the Autism Bill becoming legislation. As I am sure everyone is aware this is the first autism specific legislation and places a requirement on local authorities and healthcare to develop and implement an Autism Strategy. This, for the first time, has placed autism on the public sector "must do" agenda and will see, over time, a clearer understanding of the needs of people with autism and plans of how those needs are going to be addressed. The National Autism Strategy "Full and Rewarding Lives" was published in March 2010 and, along with the accompanying Delivery Plan, sets out the priority areas for action. All of the above sets out the Government's framework for local action and I am pleased to report that Hampshire County Council have taken the positive initiative of establishing a Hampshire Autism Partnership Board which will act as the focal point for moving forward the comprehensive autism agenda. The Board will also look at how the development of congruent autism strategies across Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight (local authorities and health) can fit together in a way that makes sense for people. The Board have also agreed to ensure that the required linkage to children and young adults autism service planning is addressed. This is good news, but the work starts now to ensure that the plans are developed, enacted and have a real positive impact for adults with autism.   Autism Strategy Delivery Plan   The Autism Strategy Delivery Plan was issued by the Department of Health on 31st March 2010 andidentified the following 5 areas of action that need to be addressed over the next 3 years: Increasing awareness and understanding of autism among frontline professionals. Developing a clear, consistent pathway for diagnosis in every area, which is followed by the offer of a personalised needs assessment. Improving access for adults with autism to the services and support they need to live independently within the community. Helping adults with autism into work. Enabling local partners to plan and develop appropriate services for adults with autism to meet identified needs and priorities. The Delivery Plan will be monitored by a newly introduced National Adult Autism Strategy Programme Board with the support of regional groups and a National Implementation Manager. In order for this important initiative to be addressed locally, Hampshire County Council have established a Hampshire Autism Partnership Board which consists of members from Southampton Primary Care Trust/City Council, Portsmouth City Council, Isle of Wight Council, Hampshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Hampshire Primary Care Trust and representatives from parents, users, National Autistic Society and HampshireAutistic Society. The Board has adopted the 5 work streams and added a sixth which is to develop local Autism Strategies for Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire and Isle of Wight, within an overarching framework to ensure that there is congruence and consistency across the County. This Forum will also form links to the regional groups and Adult Autism Strategy Programme Board.