Too many autistic people are abandoned after diagnosis with zero effective support. Today, we're publishing the Autistica Support Plan, the first step in achieving our visionary and ambitious 2030 Goals. The Support Plan outlines why and how to offer personalised support from day one to ensure autistic people and their families receive the help they need when they need it.

Why is the plan needed?

Consistently, the biggest complaint about diagnostic pathways from autistic people, families and clinicians is the lack of support provided post-diagnosis. Individuals and families are given limited hope for the future. Clinicians and commissioners are given limited resources or guidance to improve pathways.

How was the plan developed?

Autistica’s neurodiverse team have been scoping elements of this plan for years: exploring issues with autistic people, tracking evolutions in the evidence base,
working with NHS England to understand operational requirements, and undertaking priority-setting exercises. We brought together autistic people, parents, service leads, and researchers to review initial proposals for this plan. We then asked dozens of lived, professional, and scientific experts to help us refine drafts
of it.

How will the plan make a difference?

Through the Support Plan we’ll co-produce & test post-diagnostic programmes to ensure every autistic person has the chance to learn about their diagnosis & explore what it means to them, personally. We outline the tailored support needed to ensure that people understand autism, prepare for the future post-diagnosis and have access to lifelong support as needs and individual circumstances evolve.

The publishing of the plan is the first step in the realisation of our visionary and ambitious 2030 Goals.