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Integrated Autism Service Launch Conference

Published: 19/07/2018

The North Wales Integrated Autism Service (IAS) Launch Conference took place recently in Llandudno.

The IAS is jointly hosted by health and social care with strong links to education. North Wales IAS offers continuity of support for autistic individuals through the various transitions in their lives, and helps people achieve the things that are important to them. The service is for individuals who do not have moderate to severe mental health or learning disability.

The event was jointly chaired by Neil Ayling Chief Officer, Social Services in Flintshire County Council and Jill Timmins, Director of Operations and Service Delivery at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Boards Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Division.

Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Services, Councillor Christine Jones, said:

“This inspirational conference gave the 255 people attending an opportunity to gain a better insight into the North Wales Integrated Autism Service, the wonderful work it does, as well as how it will interact with other existing services that work with autistic individuals and their families across North Wales.

“The theme of the conference is to share ‘all age’ experiences of autism, to help services supporting individuals with autism better understand and help individual’s needs.”

Attendees were also able to hear from representatives of the National ASD Team, partners from Gwent IAS and colleagues in the Health Board from children’s neurodevelopmental services.

Lecturer and neuropractitioner, Dr Dawn Wimpory presented findings from the Bangor University Neurodevelopment Research Unit on child development and autism.

A number of people were invited to share their experiences, including a moving presentation from Sharon King, the mother of an autistic child who discussed parenting and enabling her child from her perspective. Her daughter, Rosie, also spoke about her experience as a young adult with autism. Daniel Jones, also a young adult with autism, an autism advocate and author presented in his effervescent style and shared information on his You Tube channel ‘The Aspie World’.

Some short films were played which showed experiences of autism in adulthood. This was followed by Willow Holloway, Vice Chair of Disability Wales and founder of The Autistic Womens Empowerment Project, who spoke about the experiences of older adults.

It is hoped that the conference will help make a difference to the lives of autistic individuals and improve their own communities as one of the Lived Experience Advisors stated that 5% more input can make 100% difference.”

For more information, the IAS can be contacted 01352 702090 or NW.IAS@flintshire.gov.uk. You can also now follow the service on Facebook.