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Training
'A national audit of training should be included in the remit of the working party to be established to develop standards of services to assess training needs and gaps.
Local training audits should also take place in each NHS board area as part of the wider audit recommended with a view to addressing training needs and gaps.'
What has happened
The service audit did raise awareness of the need to plan locally to meet the needs of those on the spectrum.
Work on 2 new Professional Development Awards has been completed by the Scottish Social Services Council, who have worked closely with the training sub-group of the ASD Reference Group. Candidates can choose between a Certificate in Supporting Individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorders ( SCQF Level 7) or, a Certificate in Managing the Support of Individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorders ( SCQF Level 8), to equip themselves with transferable skills.
A major conference took place in June 2004 targeted at senior managers and educators to ensure that ASD training is provided in all practice contexts and at all levels.
The Executive funded NHS Education for Scotland to develop Continuing Professional Development training materials for GPs and primary care staff.
The National Centre for Autism studies and the National Autistic Society published a framework for autism training http://www.strath.ac.uk/autism-ncas/pdf/tfp.pdf.
What still needs to happen
Local Service providers need to support front line staff with appropriate ASD training. Service managers and commissioners also need to be trained to understand the needs of people with ASD when commissioning and delivering services.
Staff in primary care should access training in relation to autism spectrum disorders on the NHS Education Scotland website to ensure they are equipped to provide appropriate and effective care.
Information about existing training needs to be made widely available across all services. The ASD Reference group will develop a training leaflet to signpost professionals to relevant ASD training.
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