4.0 Summary Table

Why?

What you will see

How we will measure progress

• Autism is a lifelong disability that affects the way an individual relates to people, situations and the immediate environment.*8

• In Northern Ireland, 1 in 24 children have a diagnosis of Autism. *9

• Improving people’s health and wellbeing (and reducing health inequalities) is one of residents’ top five priorities for making the local area a good place to live (Household Survey 2018).

• An awareness-raising programme to develop the borough as an autism friendly place.

• We will secure ‘Autism Friendly’ organisation status as a potential model for other Community Planning Partners.

• Commitment to become a JAM friendly organisation, as this will allow people with a learning difficulty, autism or communication barrier to tell others they need ‘Just A Minute’ discreetly and easily.

• Development and launch of sensory garden and sensory trail at

Ecos.

• A further 3 Council venues will be accredited with the Autism

NI Impact Award: • Carnfunnock County Park • The People’s Park • The Gobbins

• A further 6 staff members and 3 elected members will be trained as ‘Autism Champions’

• 3 ‘Autism Friendly’ virtual public awareness sessions held for businesses, Council staff members and the local community, with at least 70% of attendees reporting that their knowledge of autism has increased following training.

• Sensory garden and sensory trail launched by September 2021

Who is responsible?

• Director of Community.

*8 Autism NI *9 https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/publication-prevalence-autism-including-aspergers-syndrome-school-agechildren-northern-ireland-2020