VIDEO: Fight to save "lifeline" autism service in Motherwell
The One Stop Shop service is facing closure after a three year Scottish Government pilot
Autism is firmly in the spotlight this April as it is national awareness month and Westminster's set to debate the condition later too.
So, there's anger and frustration for families who use the One Stop Shop service in Motherwell as it is facing closure after a 3 year Scottish Government pilot.
Our Chief Reporter Linda Sinclair spoke with Karen Noble from Hamilton and her daughter 13 year old Amy who both use the service.
See the video above.
South Lanarkshire say:
"The Lanarkshire One Stop Shop (OSS) was created and funded by Scottish Government to support the Scottish Strategy for Autism which was launched in 2011. The Scottish Government advised that funding for the OSS would come to an end in March 2016 and requested feedback from the authorities as to the feasibility of the services continuing as part of the delivery mechanism for local autism strategies.
"South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership and the council have offered a commitment to work in partnership with Lanarkshire OSS to ensure that individuals with autism and their families can access support and guidance from within current resources to meet their needs."
North Lanarkshire say:
"We have received a funding application from Scottish Autism.
"However, the council, together with NHS Lanarkshire, already funds and supports HOPE, a local North Lanarkshire autism organisation, which provides information and support to individuals and their families.
"We have done this for some years with excellent outcomes for those affected by the condition."
"Any additional service developments for people with autism will be part of the wider considerations for the Health and Social Care Partnership in North Lanarkshire.
"In the meantime if anyone is worried and needs advice or support to deal with their personal or a family member's circumstances, they should phone or phone Morris Howat, Senior Officer, who will try to link with them with the right means of addressing their difficulties. Morris can be contacted directly by email: howatm@northlan.gov.uk or phone: 01698 332662