Progress on autism strategy welcomed

Strategy team's first annual report and Phase 2 Action Plan published

A charity that supports families affected by autism on the Isle of Man has welcomed progress made by the Autism Strategy Team. 

This week, representatives from the team updated Autism in Mann on their first annual report, which Health Minister Claire Christian expected to deliver to Tynwald this month. 

The Autism Spectrum Strategy is a 10-year plan, Phase One started in March 2024.

Since then, there's been a 50 percent reduction in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service waiting list from 1,181 in August last year to 309 by September this year. 

It's also expected that there'll be no wait for the service for routine assessment by April next year.

The steering group have also started the rollout of Oliver McGowan training across Manx Care and plans to introduce it across the government. 

Phase two of the plan is currently in motion until September next year and will see work begin on the development of a clear plan for diagnosing and supporting autistic people of all ages. 

The plan will include ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and dysgraphia. 

Commenting on the work so far, the charity says it's grateful for the six-monthly updates on progress. However, it says there is still a long way to go. 

It says all families have different priorities, for some it is respite, for others it is supported employment and many parents worry about the future (of their children) when they are not around.

It adds it will continue to work with the team and other agencies to make the Island as Autism-friendly as possible.

In her foreword, Health Minister Claire Christian says: "This first annual report shows how far we have come. It highlights practical progress across many areas: from improving professional understanding and reducing waiting times, to making everyday information easier to find and supporting new social groups. These achievements have not been driven by big budgets.

"They’ve been made possible through joined-up work, dedication, and a shared sense of purpose."

You can find a link to the first annual report HERE.