A SUPPORT service for autistic children and young people which is run by a county council has been recognised for its success.

Gloucestershire County Council’s IMPACT scheme was named as the winner of the Inspirational Education Provision award at the National Autistic Society’s awards on March 7.

The annual event is part of a two-day conference for autism professionals and sees 15 awards handed out to individuals and teams involved in education, health, social care, employment, community projects and volunteering.

IMPACT was formed in 2015 and is a multi-agency support service for children and young people who are on the autism spectrum and in mainstream education.

Specialists including advisory teachers, senior educational psychologists, an augmentative and alternative communication tutor and speech and language therapists provide training and advice for schools and support for families.

Eighteen months ago IMPACT, which is accredited by the National Autistic Society, launched the Gloucestershire Autism Inclusion Quality Mark which aims to increase understanding of diversity among schools.

Cllr Lynden Stowe, cabinet member for economy, skills and growth at the council, said: “We are committed to supporting children and young people with autism, and their families, to help them reach their full potential and achieve their goals in life.

“This award is a great achievement for our IMPACT team and we are very proud of them and the fantastic work they do to train and support schools to help them meet the needs of pupils with autism.”

Carol Povey, director of the National Autistic Society's Centre for Autism, said: "Huge congratulations to IMPACT.

“The team should be very proud for standing out among so many high quality nominations and impressing the judges with their important work supporting autistic people and families and improving understanding of autism in schools.

"Support and services in the UK are still far too patchy.

“We hope that sharing the stories of our winners and finalists will inspire other people and organisations - and give them some ideas about how they can make a real difference.”