All Age Autism Strategy

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The council is working together with residents and organisations to create an all-age Autism Strategy which will focus on improving the lives of Autistic people and their families in Islington.

We are running a session at Jean Stokes Community Centre, Coatbridge House, Carnoustie Drive, N1 0DX on 20 August from 10.30 – 12.00. We want to hear from autistic people about the goals and actions in the draft strategy. We will use the feedback to help develop actions to make things better for autistic people. There will be refreshments provided. Please see this poster for more information.

Our priorities

  1. Helping people understand autism
  2. Helping autistic children and young people at school
  3. Helping autistic people find jobs
  4. Making health and care services equal for autistic people
  5. Making sure autistic people get help in their communities
  6. Help for autistic people in the justice system

What have we done so far?

We held our first workshop on 25 April 2025, and talked about what is important to autistic people and their families. We also talked about what works well and what we need to do better. The six priorities (above) were agreed at the workshop with autistic people and their families.

From May 2025 to January 2026, we heard from over 190 people to help shape the strategy through working groups, meetings, focus groups, surveys and shared stories. This included autistic people, family carers and professionals, so we could hear many different views.

Between February and June 2026, we wrote the strategy based on what people told us. We then checked it with experts by experience and professionals to make sure it’s right. We also started asking council teams and partners what actions they could take to help us deliver the strategy.

What is happening next?

Over the next couple of months, we will continue working with council teams and partners to agree clear actions. These actions will deliver our strategy and make it real.

We will also finish writing the strategy, including all the feedback we have received. We plan to publish the strategy and the actions towards the end of 2026.

How can I get involved?

The council is working together with residents and organisations to create an all-age Autism Strategy which will focus on improving the lives of Autistic people and their families in Islington.

We are running a session at Jean Stokes Community Centre, Coatbridge House, Carnoustie Drive, N1 0DX on 20 August from 10.30 – 12.00. We want to hear from autistic people about the goals and actions in the draft strategy. We will use the feedback to help develop actions to make things better for autistic people. There will be refreshments provided. Please see this poster for more information.

Our priorities

  1. Helping people understand autism
  2. Helping autistic children and young people at school
  3. Helping autistic people find jobs
  4. Making health and care services equal for autistic people
  5. Making sure autistic people get help in their communities
  6. Help for autistic people in the justice system

What have we done so far?

We held our first workshop on 25 April 2025, and talked about what is important to autistic people and their families. We also talked about what works well and what we need to do better. The six priorities (above) were agreed at the workshop with autistic people and their families.

From May 2025 to January 2026, we heard from over 190 people to help shape the strategy through working groups, meetings, focus groups, surveys and shared stories. This included autistic people, family carers and professionals, so we could hear many different views.

Between February and June 2026, we wrote the strategy based on what people told us. We then checked it with experts by experience and professionals to make sure it’s right. We also started asking council teams and partners what actions they could take to help us deliver the strategy.

What is happening next?

Over the next couple of months, we will continue working with council teams and partners to agree clear actions. These actions will deliver our strategy and make it real.

We will also finish writing the strategy, including all the feedback we have received. We plan to publish the strategy and the actions towards the end of 2026.

How can I get involved?

All Age Autism Strategy

Please share with us any ideas or thoughts that you might have on the following priorities below

Our priorities

  1. Helping people understand autism
  2. Helping autistic children and young people at school 
  3. Helping autistic people find jobs
  4. Making health and care services equal for autistic people
  5. Making sure autistic people get help in their communities
  6. Help for autistic people in the justice system

The council has a safeguarding duty. Please note that comments that include any personal information, content that may cause distress and/or any offensive language will not be posted. 


Thank you for sharing your ideas with us.


For any other queries, suggestions or anything else - please contact mhcommissioning@islington.gov.uk

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  • Share More support following a diagnosis on Facebook Share More support following a diagnosis on X (formerly Twitter) Share More support following a diagnosis on Linkedin Email More support following a diagnosis link

    More support following a diagnosis

    by Itbeash, about 1 year ago
    Many families wait for years for a diagnosis - there needs to be more money and time invested into CAMHs so that children can recieve a diagnosis quicker.


    following a diagnosis many families often are left with not much more support - usually a leaflet with some general guidance. There should be more support following diagnosis for those that need it - looking at keyworkers within the council to support the family and young person. More groups for children to attend that are SEN friendly and not only run during school / working hours. Support for siblings who often feel... Continue reading

    Many families wait for years for a diagnosis - there needs to be more money and time invested into CAMHs so that children can recieve a diagnosis quicker.


    following a diagnosis many families often are left with not much more support - usually a leaflet with some general guidance. There should be more support following diagnosis for those that need it - looking at keyworkers within the council to support the family and young person. More groups for children to attend that are SEN friendly and not only run during school / working hours. Support for siblings who often feel left out or don’t understand their autistic siblings diagnosis.

  • Share Better mainstream education support on Facebook Share Better mainstream education support on X (formerly Twitter) Share Better mainstream education support on Linkedin Email Better mainstream education support link

    Better mainstream education support

    by Asom , about 1 year ago

    More specialist support in mainstream nursery’s, primary and secondary schools, sixth forms and colleges.


    With more and more children either receiving or awaiting a diagnosis and unable to cope with demands of mainstream education but not having sufficient specialist school placements there needs to be a greater emphasis to ensure mainstream provision can meet and accommodate the needs of all learners. All staff should have specialist training and as many schools as possible should have sensory spaces to provide emotional regulation for the many children who need it.

    More specialist support in mainstream nursery’s, primary and secondary schools, sixth forms and colleges.


    With more and more children either receiving or awaiting a diagnosis and unable to cope with demands of mainstream education but not having sufficient specialist school placements there needs to be a greater emphasis to ensure mainstream provision can meet and accommodate the needs of all learners. All staff should have specialist training and as many schools as possible should have sensory spaces to provide emotional regulation for the many children who need it.

  • Share Changes are desperately needed in all areas on Facebook Share Changes are desperately needed in all areas on X (formerly Twitter) Share Changes are desperately needed in all areas on Linkedin Email Changes are desperately needed in all areas link

    Changes are desperately needed in all areas

    by Elizabeth O’callaghan , about 1 year ago
    Firstly, I’ll keep this as short as possible, as there is so much to say


    As we’re all aware, some autistic children and adults suffer with communication difficulties therefore, raises great concern on how we learn to manage this effectively to meet needs


    Better support in GP services and hospitals is a must this needs to change as autistic children and adults. Miss very important appointments due to lack of understanding how autism affects adults and children in many different ways When attending appointments And how they can communicate their needs and wants to make a child and adult feel... Continue reading

    Firstly, I’ll keep this as short as possible, as there is so much to say


    As we’re all aware, some autistic children and adults suffer with communication difficulties therefore, raises great concern on how we learn to manage this effectively to meet needs


    Better support in GP services and hospitals is a must this needs to change as autistic children and adults. Miss very important appointments due to lack of understanding how autism affects adults and children in many different ways When attending appointments And how they can communicate their needs and wants to make a child and adult feel safe in a violent environment to be able to understand needs of a vulnerable person


    for all professionals working with vulnerable Children and Vulnerable adults to communicate more efficiently With each other working with a vulnerable person


    The most important benefit would be for professionals and organisations like the council

    to support vulnerable children and adults to have more consistency from staff too many staff changes causes a lot of anxiety and overwhelming especially For an autistic person Therefore, you’re starting all over again

    1)Improving communication between professionals and health professionals

    2) if there has to be a staff change the handover must be consistent for the Vulnerable, Persons needs to be understood without repeating the needle over again

    3) needs to be a lot more training around autism for the individual person’s needs as they can Appear, very different

    we must do our best to achieve this for the wellbeing and all round mental health

    autistic children adults are very misunderstood which causes great stress anxiety and depression And in some cases stop communicating









  • Share short break provision on Facebook Share short break provision on X (formerly Twitter) Share short break provision on Linkedin Email short break provision link

    short break provision

    about 1 year ago

    There is very limited provision in Islington for children with severe autism and learning disabilities who require high level of care and support. Short break provision is extremely oversubscribed due to high demand and limited providers. Centres are overcrowded. Parents who desperately need respite during the school holidays struggle to get booking for their child. The limited providers also limit their available spaces due to lack of staff and there are often cancellations due to lack of staff. There must be more providers and more choice for parents as children with autism and learning disabilities cannot access mainstream holiday schemes.

    There is very limited provision in Islington for children with severe autism and learning disabilities who require high level of care and support. Short break provision is extremely oversubscribed due to high demand and limited providers. Centres are overcrowded. Parents who desperately need respite during the school holidays struggle to get booking for their child. The limited providers also limit their available spaces due to lack of staff and there are often cancellations due to lack of staff. There must be more providers and more choice for parents as children with autism and learning disabilities cannot access mainstream holiday schemes.

  • Share Assessments on Facebook Share Assessments on X (formerly Twitter) Share Assessments on Linkedin Email Assessments link

    Assessments

    about 1 year ago

    Offer quick assessment for children and give them all the resources and special support they need in school.

    Offer quick assessment for children and give them all the resources and special support they need in school.

  • Share Suggestions on Facebook Share Suggestions on X (formerly Twitter) Share Suggestions on Linkedin Email Suggestions link

    Suggestions

    about 1 year ago

    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... Continue reading

    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.

  • Share Sunflower laynyard scheme on Facebook Share Sunflower laynyard scheme on X (formerly Twitter) Share Sunflower laynyard scheme on Linkedin Email Sunflower laynyard scheme link

    Sunflower laynyard scheme

    about 1 year ago

    Asking local businesses to support the sunflower lanyard scheme, put up posters to confirm their awareness as an autism friendly establishment.

    Making Autism awareness a part of all school calendars, curriculums etc.

    Asking local businesses to support the sunflower lanyard scheme, put up posters to confirm their awareness as an autism friendly establishment.

    Making Autism awareness a part of all school calendars, curriculums etc.

  • Share Transport on Facebook Share Transport on X (formerly Twitter) Share Transport on Linkedin Email Transport link

    Transport

    about 1 year ago

    Transport policy should reflect autistic sensory needs eg my young adult daughter is terrified to cycle or take the tube, but will use a bus. Bus travel is often overlooked re LTNs and cycle lanes.

    There is also an assumption that a blue badge solves the needs of disabled people. It doesn’t! Autistic sensory needs as debilitating but nothing to do with physical mobility.

    Transport policy should reflect autistic sensory needs eg my young adult daughter is terrified to cycle or take the tube, but will use a bus. Bus travel is often overlooked re LTNs and cycle lanes.

    There is also an assumption that a blue badge solves the needs of disabled people. It doesn’t! Autistic sensory needs as debilitating but nothing to do with physical mobility.

  • Share ASD parents on Facebook Share ASD parents on X (formerly Twitter) Share ASD parents on Linkedin Email ASD parents link

    ASD parents

    about 1 year ago

    Those all sound great. It would be lovely if there were youth groups for neurodivergent tweens/teens, similar to the sensory stay and play that St George's church in tufnell park runs twice a month. I would personally also welcome more staff working on EHCP pupils' secondary school placement, at Islington council, as they seem to have a very heavy workload which isn't in anyone's best interest.

    Those all sound great. It would be lovely if there were youth groups for neurodivergent tweens/teens, similar to the sensory stay and play that St George's church in tufnell park runs twice a month. I would personally also welcome more staff working on EHCP pupils' secondary school placement, at Islington council, as they seem to have a very heavy workload which isn't in anyone's best interest.

  • Share Guidance on Facebook Share Guidance on X (formerly Twitter) Share Guidance on Linkedin Email Guidance link

    Guidance

    about 1 year ago

    There should be more guidance and clarity for managers about how to best support autistic members of staff, so that we can support them to deliver their best work.

    There should be more guidance and clarity for managers about how to best support autistic members of staff, so that we can support them to deliver their best work.

Page last updated: 23 Jul 2026, 03:23 PM