Since September 2010, two sub-regional ASDGs (North of Tyne and South of Tyne & Wear) have decided to set up very local working groups for autism. These Local Autism Working Groups are Chaired by the lead commissioner/senior manager for autism in the local authority. These groups are endeavouring to involve a range of professionals and parent reps and people with autism in the delivery of action plan for the area. The local authorities know that time and effort needs to be put into making sure family carers and local people with ASCs understand the work going on in their area. These local people need to be able to influence the services being provided locally.

Throughout 2011, the 6 new local autism working groups will be exploring a variety of ways to engage with family carers and people with ASCs. Some people will be invited to meetings; some people will be nominated by their peers to represent them; some people will prefer to communicate via social networking sites. Each local authority will have in place a number of ways for people to become involved in their work.

If you would like to be involved in the work of the Local Autism Working Group, please get in touch with Pam Lawrence at pam@northeastautismconsortium.co.uk