New National Strategy for Autistic Children, Young People and Adults 2021-2026

The government today issued the new national strategy for improving the lives of autistic people and their families and carers in England, and the implementation plan for year one. The foreword by the Secretary of State for Health, Sajid Javid MP, states:

‘our goal must be nothing less than making sure autistic people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexualities and ages – in all parts of the country – get the support they need to live full and happy lives.’

There is acknowledgement of the difficulties faced by the autistic community during the pandemic and the ongoing concerns around training and employment as the recovery continues. Following a call for evidence the strategy will focus on changes in six areas:

• improving understanding and acceptance of autism within society 
• improving autistic children and young people’s access to education, and supporting positive transitions into adulthood 
• supporting more autistic people into employment 
• tackling health and care inequalities for autistic people 
• building the right support in the community and supporting people in inpatient care 
• improving support within the criminal and youth justice systems

In the first year some of the actions are:

• Investing £7million to implement the most effective ways to reduce diagnosis waiting times
• Encouraging more autism-friendly programmes in the cultural and heritage sectors
• Provide £600k for autism training and professional development in schools and colleges
• Moving forward with plans to open 37 new special schools, including 24 with specific provision for autistic children and young people
• Taking action to strengthen and promote pathways to employment, such as Supported Internships, and working to develop Supported Employment Forums