Scottish Autism Service Network

Lothian Autism and Asperger’s Network

Two sub groups were set up for purposes of advising the Lothian Learning Disability Strategy Review regarding ASD; the Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Aspergers Syndrome sub groups.

SASN were asked to chair and help facilitate the ASD sub group shortly after its set up in November 2005, as a neutral organisation. The view was that once the review was completed that thee group might develop in to an ASD Forum group fro the Lothian area. The review has considered the following, amongst other matters:

Assessing the needs in Lothian

Finding out what users and carers think of the services we already have

The cost of services

Members of the group include professionals from health, social work and voluntary sector services across East and Wes Lothian and Edinburgh, and representatives from various parents and carers groups in these areas.

The group worked hard to discuss and assess various issues for those with ASD in the Lothian area and provided information and made various recommendations for the Strategy Review Report, which is currently in its final stages. You can access a copy of the report here.

It is hoped that once the review is completed in the New Year, the two groups will develop into a Networking group, provisionally called the’ Lothian Autism and Asperger’s Network’.

There is a commitment from many of the members to continuing to work together even if it is just to share good practice, but also to come together to consider the following what will happen with the recommendations from the review when they are published and lobby as appropriate.

The newly evolved group would intend to have clear aims and focus and would be inviting new members to join them.

For further information about this group, please contact Dawn at or phone 0141 950 3072.