Why do we need an Autism Strategy?

We know from speaking to local people, including autistic people themselves, that whilst they have strengths and abilities, there are many challenges and barriers which autistic people in Bexley face. Working to find solutions to these barriers is not something that any organisation or person can do alone but will need us all to work together to improve the experiences and opportunities for autistic people.

The 2018 Autism Strategy for Bexley had a number of outcomes it hoped to achieve, and we aim to build on that previous work to continue improving things for local people. Our previous strategy focussed only on adults but with the introduction of the National All Age Strategy we recognise the need to create a new strategy that works to create positive outcomes for Bexley residents of all ages.

We also know that the COVID-19 pandemic affected disabled people more significantly than others and know that it is likely that autistic people’s needs are now different to that of 2018. There are many positive changes coming up, such as the new Adult Social Care vision and development of new Preparing for Adulthood and Special Education Needs Strategies, so it feels important to make sure that the new Autism Strategy takes advantage of these pieces of work and that they support each other to achieve the best outcomes for autistic people of all ages.