Why Relationships Matter in Good Autism Practice â Online Conference
05 Oct 2023
About the event
Positive social relationships feature as a key factor in every wellbeing index; yet they are often missing from the way support provision for autistic people is talked about. This conference will shine a light on the ways in which autistic people’s relationships can be recognised and supported – relationships with one another; with family members; with partners; and between supported people and professionals. We will hear from a range of speakers drawing on lived experience; professional practice; and research about the positive ways in which autistic sociality can be supported; while acknowledging the vulnerabilities and difficulties faced by autistic people building relationships in a largely non-autistic world.
Established in 1968 by a group of parents, we are now the largest provider of autism-specific services in Scotland and a leading authority and advocate for good autism practice.
We exist to help those diagnosed with autism to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives and be recognised as valued members of the community they live in.
We also seek to share our knowledge and expertise with parents, carers and other professionals in order to support the development of skills and strategies needed to provide the best care and support for autistic people.
Building partnerships locally, nationally and internally provides us with the exciting opportunity to learn and share our knowledge of good autism practice with other countries. Our Deputy CEO, Charlene Tait, is on the Council of Administration for Autism-Europe. This is an association gathering almost 90 national and regional organisations advocating for the rights of autistic people from 30 European countries.
Using the EFQM Excellence Model, we were delighted to achieve the Recognised for Excellence 5 Star Award in June 2019. We also won the Scottish Award for Business Excellence which is awarded to the highest scoring 5 star organisation in Scotland each year.