Isle of Man Government – Committed to becoming a more Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASC) friendly island

A national strategy has been launched to make the Isle of Man a more welcoming island for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASC).

The main focus of the strategy is to create a more inclusive environment that promotes understanding, acceptance and support for people with ASC and address the community’s 2022 consultation on the development of a national autism strategy.

The strategy proposes six long-term goals:

• Increase community awareness and acceptance of ASC
• Reducing health and social care inequalities for patients with ASC
• Providing high-quality, safe and clear diagnostic and support pathways for all ages
• Enhance the professional awareness and capabilities of public service providers
• Improving access, support and transitions at all levels of education
• Improving the daily experience of ASC patients, their caregivers and families

Each goal has a clear set of action plans to be implemented over the next 12 months, with a particular focus on healthcare and education.

Specific actions include a public information campaign to increase awareness and acceptance of ASCs and the reasonable adjustments that businesses and workplaces can make.

There will also be mandatory training for public service staff, easier access to assessment and support information, and work will be done to ensure medicines are not the only form of intervention offered following a diagnosis.

The school ASC consultation service will be expanded and an inclusive education policy based on the Additional Educational Needs (AEN) Code of Practice will be implemented.

Minister for Health and Social Care Lawrie Hooper MHK said:

“This strategy demonstrates our commitment to being an ASC Friendly Island where reasonable adjustments are standard practice. We have listened to community feedback and designed this strategy to improve some of the most common barriers they face. The strategy covers everything from reasonable small adjustments that government and businesses can make to the accessibility of sound, lighting, documents and information, to addressing access and support issues in education or healthcare.”

We are extremely grateful to the autism community for their support in developing the first National Autism Strategy.”

Minister of Education, Sports and Culture Daphne Caine MHK said:

“The department is committed to contributing to the strategy set out by DHSC. As set out in our departmental plan, we will develop an action plan linked to the key objectives in the strategy, which will look at providing training and education for children with autism who require tailored, personalised learning services.”

The full strategy is available at National Autism Spectrum Status Strategy webpageand an accessible version is also available for people with learning disabilities.

Providing resources and advice to businesses and individuals on communication, reasonable adjustments and employee support, available via Autism Acceptance Webpage.