A new service for people with autism and their families is to be launched in Moray.
The first service to be provided by the Moray One Stop Shop will be drop-in information session for anyone with an interest in autism, Asperger’s or other autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Hosted by Aimee Killa, recently appointed autism development co-ordinator at Moray Council, the first sessions will be held at the reference section in the Elgin Library.
Aimee said: “The sessions are an opportunity for people with ASD and their families to find out more about ASD and the services available.
“They will also be able to find out about other upcoming events being organised through the one stop shop.”
The sessions will begin on Monday November 10, and will run each Monday and Thursday from 2pm to 4.30pm.
Around 110 children of school age and 200 adults in Moray have been diagnosed with or are believed to have autism – but it is estimated one in every 88 people in the population has autism.
The need for a one-stop-shop was identified by adults, young people and families during the development of the 10 year Moray autism strategy which was launched at the start of the year.
The Moray project is being funded through a Scottish Government grant following a successful bid by the council, NHS Grampian and Quarriers Carer Support Service.
The grant has also supported the establishment of an autism training team. The seven associated trainers – who all have autism – have delivered basic awareness training to over 500 people from a range of public and private sector organisations.
An update on the development of the one stop shop will be presented at the next meeting of the Moray Autism Partnership which takes place in the Gallery at Elgin library on Wednesday, November 5 at 12.30pm.