The new Community Autism Support Service is commissioned by Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council (WCC) and the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board.
The service draws on the collective strengths of local organisations Coventry and Warwickshire Mind and Act for Autism, working in a collaborative partnership with Autism West Midlands.
This is the first time that an all-age autism support service has been developed, providing community-based support across the region – addressing recognised need for a single point of access, at a time and a place, that suits people best.
The service aims to:
• Improve the ability of children, young people and adults with neurodevelopmental conditions and those diagnosed autism, and their families, to understand autism and themselves better.
• Support people to manage and thrive at home, in education, in employment and in the community.
• Help individuals improve their communication, interaction, processing and sensory skills.
• Help improve people’s self-esteem and confidence, manage relationships and enjoy day-to-day life.
• Support neurodiverse/autistic individuals with managing symptoms of low to moderate emotional wellbeing and mental health difficulties.
• Provide an environment where all aspects of autism are recognised, accepted and respected.
• Offer parent, family and carer support through peer activities.
• Provide resources and signpost to other community-based support, as appropriate.
• Give particular support for transition-age young people, age 18–25 years.
