Suggestions

1. Helping People Understand Autism

Provide community-wide training in autism awareness, including businesses, local services, public transport staff, and customer service teams.

Offer lived-experience panels and talks where autistic individuals and their families can share their stories.

Run public campaigns that challenge myths and promote neurodiversity in a positive, respectful way.

Create easy-read, visual materials that explain autism clearly to children, non-native English speakers, and the general public.

2. Helping Autistic Children and Young People at School

Mandatory autism training for all school staff, not just SENCOs.

Sensory-friendly spaces in every school where children can regulate and feel safe.

Implement individualised learning plans that are co-created with families and regularly reviewed.

Ensure flexible school attendance policies, so children aren’t penalised for sensory overload or meltdown-related absences.

Peer education workshops to promote understanding and prevent bullying.

3. Helping Autistic People Find Jobs

Offer inclusive hiring workshops for local employers on how to support neurodiverse staff.

Promote job coaches and supported internships specifically designed for autistic individuals.

Encourage flexible working environments, including remote roles, adjusted hours, or quiet working spaces.

Highlight strengths-based job matching, focusing on the person’s unique skills, not just traditional CVs.

4. Making Health and Care Services Equal for Autistic People

Train all health and care staff in autism-specific communication techniques, such as avoiding vague language or giving too much verbal input at once.

Introduce sensory-adapted environments in GP surgeries and hospitals (e.g. low lighting, reduced noise).

Allow extra time for medical appointments and ensure reasonable adjustments are clearly communicated and respected.

Include autistic voices in healthcare planning committees and consultations.

5. Making Sure Autistic People Get Help in Their Communities

Fund more drop-in hubs and peer-led groups for autistic people and their families.

Provide clear, accessible signposting to services, with online and offline options.

Increase access to community transport or travel training for autistic people who struggle with public transport.

Ensure community centres and leisure facilities offer quiet sessions or autism-friendly hours.

6. Help for Autistic People in the Justice System

Provide autism awareness training to police officers, legal staff, and prison workers.

Develop protocols for de-escalation and communication with autistic people during police interactions.

Ensure appropriate adults with autism training are always present during questioning.

Offer support and advocacy for autistic individuals navigating court proceedings or custodial settings.

Monitor and evaluate disproportionate outcomes for autistic people in the justice system and publish transparent data.