Many autistic people and families fight for a diagnosis and when they get it, are offered no support at all. That's why we have made early support a priority in our 2030 Goals.
We will work with researchers and the government to help people to understand their diagnosis, prepare for the future and get access to lifelong support. It will give every autistic person the best chance of a happy, healthy, long life.
The whole system is based on the idea that you have to be in crisis to get help.”
The need
We know that 71% of autistic people and families lack the support they need. The poor outcomes they face show that the system isn't working. The government have committed to do more in their 2021-2026 Autism Strategy. That's why we have developed our 2030 Support Plan. By working together we can improve support from diagnosis through to old age.
About our plan
We have developed a detailed plan to provide support to every autistic person. It has three main parts:
1. Understanding autism and the person
To help autistic people and their supporters understand their needs we will create:
Post-diagnosis support programme for newly diagnosed autistic people and families.
Resource hub for professionals
Guidance on support pathways for local commissioners.
Newly diagnosed app to support those wanting to learn more about autism and themselves.
2. Preparing for the future
To ensure autistic people have access to evidence based and personalised support when they need it we will work to create:
Personal support profiles so that autistic people and their supporters understand their strengths and needs.
Intervention guidance to ensure professionals are providing evidence-based support.
New therapy fund & trials fund to increase the evidence base for interventions.
Everyday tips network where autistic people and families can share and learn from each other.
3. Lifelong support
To make sure people get the support they need as their needs change, we will work on:
Research on step-up services to understand how support should be stepped up or down, based on a person’s needs.
Self-directed support library that autistic people can use when they need to help themselves.
Shared health records to combine autistic people’s records in one place – which they would have access to.
Claudia's story
Claudia talks about her struggle to get a diagnosis and support for her daughter:
How our plan can change lives
Supporting an autistic person at the point of diagnosis has lifelong benefits for autistic people and their families. It is also a good investment. It means autistic people can contribute to society and live the happy, healthy lives they deserve.