Teams to include autism experts

Specialists to provide support to autistic youngsters and their families have been proposed in a shake-up of child disability services. Highland Council had used the Scottish Society for Autism for advice and support, but ended the arrangement over cost issues.

Under the planned reorganisation, practitioners in autism would be included in two new teams. The proposals follow consultation with parents and carers.

A report to be put before the council's joint committee on children and young people recommends that one team covers Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey. The other would have responsibility for Ross, Skye and Lochaber and Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross.