The government’s review of services and support for
autistic people is covering autistic children as well as
adults for the first time.
The review will inform the new joint adults and children
autism strategy to be published in autumn 2019.
The review looks at:
- joining up health, care and education services to
address autistic children’s needs holistically
- developing diagnostic services to diagnose autism
earlier, in line with clinical guidance
- improving the transition between children and adult
services so that no young people miss out, and ending
inappropriate reliance on inpatient hospital care
- improving understanding of autism and all its profiles,
including recently identified forms such as pathological
demand avoidance (PDA)
As part of this review, the government will collect
evidence from autistic children and adults, families,
carers and professionals on how to improve services and
support.
Supporting people on the autism spectrum or with learning
disabilities is one of the 4 clinical priority areas in the
NHS long-term plan.
Minister for Care said:
I want to see young people on the autism spectrum given
the same start in life as any other child. Currently,
outcomes simply aren’t good enough, with too many
autistic children falling through the cracks and not
getting the care and support they need.
With the right support, they can live happy, healthy and
independent lives within their own communities, so it’s
vital we have a national autism strategy that works for
both children and adults.
Children and Families Minister said:
Our ambitions for children with autism are exactly the
same as for all other children – to do well in school and
college, find sustained employment and live happy and
fulfilled lives.
Schools and colleges already do a great job at supporting
children with autism but we know there is more to do to
make sure these young people are given the opportunity to
unlock their full potential and succeed.
This pivotal review will help to find out how we can
further our understanding of all forms of autism, improve
how children and adults are supported and transform the
life outcomes for people with autism.
