We, the undersigned, ask South Lanarkshire Council to reconsider their decision not to continue funding for the Support for Autism in the Early Years (SAEY) Project, currently housed in Atholl House, East Kilbride.

Over the last 18 months, SAEY has supported over 250 families affected by autism. The service has provided parent support groups and Earlybird training for parents; has worked directly with children, for example through Lego therapy and Music Therapy; and has offered invaluable support to professionals working with families.

SAEY has been a prime example of partnership working between Council agencies (Integrated Children’s Services, Social Work and Education) as well as with NHS Lanarkshire (Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy) and the third sector (South Lanarkshire National Autistic Society).

We believe that a service such as SAEY is essential in supporting South Lanarkshire Council to meet its obligations regarding the National Autism Strategy:

·         SAEY encourages feedback from stakeholders

·         SAEY provides a centralised “hub” for both families and professionals

·         SAEY can easily be developed into a service for all age groups, easing Transition processes

·         SAEY helps deliver Council strategies like GIRFEC (Getting It Right For Every Child) and the Carer’s Strategy.

We urge South Lanarkshire Council to fund this much needed and much valued service and to support families affected by autism.