l-Age Autism Strategy 2026–2030

A Neuroinclusive Borough for Everyone

---

🎯 Vision

A borough where autistic people of all ages feel:

✅ Understood
✅ Respected
✅ Valued
✅ Included
✅ Supported to thrive

Across education, employment, health, housing, and community life. 

---

📊 Why Change Is Needed

Key Challenges Identified

🔀 Fragmented services

• People report being passed between services.

🚸 Difficult transitions

• Major gaps when moving into adulthood.

💼 Employment barriers

• Recruitment and workplace adjustments remain challenging.

🎓 Inconsistent professional understanding

• Autism awareness varies across services.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family and carer pressures

• Many families experience stress, isolation and exhaustion.

🔊 Sensory and communication barriers

• Environments and systems are not always autism-friendly.

---

🏛 Six Strategic Priorities

1️⃣ Education & Lifelong Learning

• Inclusive education
• Early intervention
• Smooth transitions
• Life skills development

2️⃣ Employment & Skills

• Inclusive recruitment
• Supported internships
• Apprenticeships
• Employer awareness

3️⃣ Health & Wellbeing

• Better diagnosis pathways
• Mental health support
• Post-diagnostic support
• Sensory-aware services

4️⃣ Independent Living & Housing

• Clear housing pathways
• Housing adaptations
• Occupational Therapy support
• Independent living skills

5️⃣ Community Inclusion & Safety

• Autism-friendly public spaces
• Protection from bullying and exploitation
• Improved accessibility
• Stronger community participation

6️⃣ Support for Families & Carers

• Information and guidance
• Navigation support
• Peer networks
• Future planning assistance 

---

🧩 Autism Core Standard

The strategy proposes a borough-wide standard built around:

🎓 Workforce Development
💬 Inclusive Communication
🗺 Clear Pathways & Navigation
🔉 Sensory Inclusion
🤝 Autism Inclusion Charter
🚪 No Wrong Door Approach
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Co-production & Culture Change

These standards apply across all services and age groups.

---

👶➡️👵 Support Across Life

Life stage Focus

 

 

• 🍼 0–5: Identification and family support
• 🎒 5–11: Inclusive education and wellbeing
• 📚 11–16: Mental health, life skills and safety
• 🎓 16–25: Transition to adulthood, employment and housing
• 🏠 25–64: Independent living, employment and wellbeing
• 🌳 65+: Ageing well, housing and social connection

 

 

✅ Easier access to support

✅ Better outcomes in education

✅ Improved employment opportunities

✅ More autism-inclusive housing

✅ Safer and more welcoming communities

✅ Stronger support for carers and families

✅ Better understanding of autism across the borough

✅ Greater independence and wellbeing for autistic residents

---

Guiding Values (HERO)

H – Humility
E – Empowerment
R – Respect
O – One Team

These values underpin delivery of the entire strategy.