AAC Lanarkshire Working in Partnership with HOPE for Autism Summary: HOPE for Autism supports young people affected by autism and their families across North Lanarkshire. The CEO of HOPE sat on the AAC Network Group and as an interested party was invited to submit proposals for funding in 2013/14 and 2014/15. HOPE was successful in securing funding for input from Speech & Language Therapy, training and equipment. HOPE also hosted 6 sessions of Talking Mats Training in the HOPE Centre. Outcomes: The children and young people will be less isolated, have increased confidence, improved communication and socialisation. The children and young people will have improved turn taking and interaction Through partnership working they will have access to AAC advice, services and support HOPE staff will share their knowledge with parents, carers and other community contacts. Benefits/Impact: There will be increased awareness of AAC and ASD across the North Lanarkshire population of families, professionals and businesses. The children and young people will develop the communication skills necessary to lead a fulfilling life and empowering them to engage in wider community opportunities. The benefits from HOPE for Autism are about developing resilient communities - where a diagnosis of Autism can still mean a life of opportunity, not a life of marginalisation. Our approach is to identify and maximise meaningful opportunities for each person, wherever their interests, skills, education and aspirations lie. Increased knowledge of AAC will allow this to happen and also ensure we take on board the views of our children and young people.   For Autism in North Lanarkshire