The public is urged to consider autism differently in an awareness campaign

A new awareness campaign encouraging people to consider autism as a difference in development rather than a disorder has been announced.

The Scottish Government is collaborating with the charity organization Inspiring Scotland in the campaign to make autism a different way of thinking, rather than a condition that can be cured.

The campaign will also highlight the strengths of people with autism in anticipation of World Autism Awareness Week starting Monday.

The government also announced that the National Autism Implementation Team would collaborate with Queen Margaret University to improve the diagnosis and care provided to children and adults with autism and other neurodevelopmental problems, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

The government will work with Scottish Autism to improve support for newly diagnosed people with autism and their families, and update autism resources available in schools.

Minister of Mental Health Clare Haughey said, "We want Scotland to be an inclusive society in which everyone can play a full role. We are absolutely committed to changing attitudes and showing the positive contributions that people with autism can make.

"These next steps will build on the work and progress made since the Scottish Government published the first Scottish Autism Strategy in 2011.

"We want everyone to get the support they need to reach their full potential, in the most appropriate environment and by putting in place a range of provisions to ensure that this is the case."

Celia Tennant, Executive Director of Inspiring Scotland, said: "These measures are aimed at increasing society's understanding of autism, eliminating stereotypes and highlighting the many badets that autistic people bring to society.

"We are proud to be a partner in this program and look forward to working with individuals, charities and autistic organizations to create change for people with autism in Scotland."

Dr. Alison Rennie, who sits on the Scottish Government's Task Force on Child and Youth Mental Health, praised the movement for more needs-based badessment than diagnosis.

She said: "There are interesting proposals for a different service for children and young people, which will include a general badessment of needs, the identification of appropriate strategies and services, and a lower focus on diagnosis.

"A key goal will be the prevention of future mental health problems and the promotion of the positive contribution of neurodiversity in our society."