Autism AIM Yorkshire (360G-CR-4926067)

Advonet are an advocacy organisation supporting innovative approaches to enabling the voice of the most disadvantaged to be heard and their rights to be met. Leeds Autism AIM is part of Advonet and has developed user led services for autistic adults with little or no formal support. It has a focus on increasing access to services and ensuring autistic adults are heard . The AIM service has proven the effectiveness of enabling autistic developed and led services: peer support, post diagnostic support, resources to put forward needs , training for mental health /wider services and facilitating an autistic voice in health/ mental health planning or consultations to facilitate lasting change locally. Regional services have expressed interest in similar models of autistic led support, particularly around addressing necessary changes in mental health provision. This is a priority area identified in local/ national consultations with autistic people . We know that autistic people have higher mental ill health ,with over half reporting at least one comorbid disorder. Autistic adults without learning disabilities still often fall through gaps in services. This has not improved over 10 years of the Autism Act and new approaches are needed to take action on creating positive change, particularly in this post Covid-19 period. We will further develop innovative approaches to meet regional needs : ? Enabling engagement with local autistic communities: building skills/ empowering to have a stronger voice influencing necessary changes . ? Seconded health role to follow up consultation routes, ensuring suggested changes are heard/ acted on, linking to the WYHHCP #autismallies work ? Peer support adapted to autistic needs to empower autistic adults with self -management/ self- advocacy strategies. ? Testing/ developing personalised resources to enable autistic adults to put forward their needs. ? User led autism training for social prescribing/ local advocacy services