The National Autistic Society

The Chancellor said the #AutumnBudget would “fix the foundations” and we are pleased to see some promising first steps in improving the services autistic people need. But truly making our country work for autistic people will take much more in the years to come. We welcome the Government’s £22.6 billion increase in health spending and the commitment to reduce waiting lists. But let’s make sure that includes autistic people by setting out ringfenced funding to tackle waiting times for assessments and end the health inequality autistic people face. The SEND system has been crying out for more funding, so this is very welcome. To really impact autistic children’s lives, we want to see it used to make sure no families wait longer than the statutory 20 weeks for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for their child, that parents don’t have to resort to legal challenges to get the most basic support, and that all teachers have sufficient autism training. Fixing the foundations is a good start, but we want to see those foundations used to stabilise and strengthen our failing health and education systems and build a society that works for all autistic people: bit.ly/4fmyVkG

Join our Essential Autism Licensed User Training and bring the tools and knowledge back to your team to foster true inclusion. You’ll be licensed to deliver impactful autism training within your organisation, ensuring everyone has the understanding they need.

Unlock the power of understanding and responding to the unique needs of autistic individuals with our acclaimed SPELL framework. Comprehensive framework designed to guide practitioners in effectively supporting autistic children and adults. Key Principles: 1️⃣ Structure: Providing clear routines and predictability. 2️⃣ Positive approaches: Focusing on strengths and preferences. 3️⃣ Empathy: Understanding individual perspectives and experiences. 4️⃣ Low arousal: Creating calm and supportive environments. 5️⃣ Links: Facilitating meaningful connections and communication.

Understanding the #menopause and how it impacts autistic people, can help you to advocate more effectively. Help us raise awareness this #MenopauseAwarenessMonth by downloading our Autism and Menopause Guide: bit.ly/3ZQq5XQ

Bonfire Night is fast approaching but can be distressing for some autistic people who find fireworks overwhelming. We've created a list of tips on how to help you enjoy your evening, while staying safe.

If you work in a transport service, this is your last chance to sign up for our workshops and Empower Autistic Travel. Help make travelling for autistic people more accessible and earn £50 for your time.

Today’s Care Quality Commission report is yet more proof of the unacceptable health inequalities faced by autistic people. Autistic people continue to bear the brunt of a health and care crisis; Long waits for an autism diagnosis, the inappropriate care of autistic people stuck in mental health hospitals, and autistic people subject to excessive use of restraint. The damning list goes on and on.   It needs to stop now. That is why we’ve joined forces with Ambitious about Autism, Autism Alliance UK, Autistica, and The Autism Centre for Excellence at Cambridge to write to the Chancellor Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Rt. Hon. Wes Streeting MP ahead of the budget, calling for urgent action to end the avoidable and devastating crisis affecting tens of thousands of people waiting for a diagnosis. In the letter, we demand the upcoming Government Budget provides funds to stabilise and strengthen the failing system. The Government needs to provide ringfenced funding for autism assessments and confirm a long-term plan to make sure people can get a diagnosis, if and when they need it, and crucially get the right support.

“My experiences are made difficult by bright, fluorescent often flickering lights, unexpected noises and being touched without warning.”  - Daisy, Young Ambassador. Sound familiar? 80% of autistic people find it hard to visit the GP. Our Young Ambassadors are campaigning to close the #AutismHealthGap. Find out more and support their calls: bit.ly/4eq2vpl

Amanda was diagnosed aged 34. In her #NowIKnow story, she talks about how her diagnosis followed her son’s at age four, and her master's project on autism in late diagnosed Black and Black mixed heritage women.

The system has been broken for years. It’s just not working for autistic children and their families who have to fight too hard and too long for support. Children’s rights are being pushed aside because councils and schools lack the funding to follow the law. As a result, families are being pushed to the brink, often ending up in costly tribunals, where a staggering 98% find in favour of parents. They should have been listened to and supported in the first place. It’s up to the new Government to fix this and break down the barriers to opportunity faced by hundreds of thousands of autistic children: https://lnkd.in/e-XG-z8n