Autism affects thousands of people in Scotland

NHS professionals, local authorities and the voluntary sector will provide diagnosis, advice and support at the new �750,000 unit.

The National Autistic Society said it was delighted with the facility.

Its Scottish co-ordinator, Robert Mackay, said the centre, which could help thousands, establishes a model that the rest of Scotland can follow.

Autism is a disorder in which people with the condition find difficulty in communicating with and understanding their surroundings.

The National Autistic Society estimates up to 50,000 people in Scotland have it, many of whom live in the Strathclyde area.

Eleven staff, including clinical psychologists, speech and language therapists and several autism specialists, will be based at the centre.

It is important to remember that while we are making great progress in the provision of services, our work is by no means complete Rhona Brankin Deputy Health Minister

Deputy Health Minister Rhona Brankin will be at the opening ceremony on Monday.

Speaking ahead of the event, she said: "I am delighted to be opening this important resource which will offer diagnosis, information, advice and support to a number of groups including people with autism, their families, carers and practitioners.

"Improving diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders will lead to greater demands on existing services provided by local agencies."

The minister will make two key funding announcements during her visit to the facility.

The Scottish Executive will award �300,000 over two years for the development of a national network service for autism.

Focus on children

The body will support local agencies throughout Scotland to deliver better services people with the condition.

Ms Brankin also announced that �90,000 will be made available to NHS Highland over two years to further develop its autism services.

This project will pay particular attention to the needs of young people leaving school and moving to adult services.

Ms Brankin said: "It is important to remember that while we are making great progress in the provision of services, our work is by no means complete.

"We are currently working in consultation with members of the cross-party group to plan a national conference to address the health needs of people with autistic spectrum disorder.

"We also need to influence a wider audience on the need for appropriate training and support for staff who provide these invaluable services."