Milton Keynes Council and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning group have launched a new support service for people with autism.
Developed in partnership as a jointly funded service, the Milton Keynes Integrated Autism Service (MKIAS) covers assessment, diagnosis and post- diagnostic support for people aged 16+.
Based at the Neath Hill Resource Centre, the new service will offer psychology, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy alongside social care access.
Milton Keynes Council and the Clinical Commissioning Group believe this service will improve co-ordination, support and signposting to existing services whilst offering a more tailored approach for individuals.
This new support service is planned to start in January 2020.
According to data from National Autistic Society, there are approximately 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. Autism affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them.
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Amanda Griffiths, Group Head Adult Services at Milton Keynes Council said: “I’m really excited about this new service which will help more people with autism to access the support they need. We want Milton Keynes to be recognised as an autism friendly place to live, work and study – a city of opportunity for everyone.”
Dr Krishna Patel, Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group said: “This service provides a real opportunity for us to better support the residents of Milton Keynes who have autism, using their knowledge and expertise to help us develop this service and meet their needs.”
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health services in the Milton Keynes area. Lesley Halford, Service Director for Mental Health Services said: “We are pleased to be able to support this service. We’ve been working collaboratively with all partners and individuals affected to make sure that having a diagnosis of autism doesn’t preclude people from accessing the range of existing services.”
If you believe that you or a family member may have autism, please visit your local GP in the first instance.
