Contents

  1. Introduction to the Autism Strategy
  2. Context to the Autism Strategy
  3. Autism in Bexley
  4. National context
  5. Our approach to the Autism Strategy
  6. Our language
  7. Our vision and priorities
  8. How we will achieve our Autism Strategy
  9. Appendix A: Action plan priorities

4. National context

The Autism Act 2009 guaranteed the rights of autistic adults in England and led to the introduction of the first national Autism Strategy. 

This has since been updated with the publication of the National strategy for autistic children, young people and adults 2021 to 2026 and supporting implementation plan. This was the first strategy to include autistic people of all ages and is now supported by a number of other strategies and white papers which aim to positively impact autistic people.

The NHS 10-year plan also sets out a focus on supporting autistic people by making it one of the four clinical priority areas that it needs to focus on as well as a commitment to deliver better clinical services and support.