Autism Unlimited recognises the publication of the Government’s response to the House of Lords Time to deliver: the Autism Act 2009 and the new autism strategy report. However, we share the concern expressed by the National Autistic Society and autism charities that the Government’s response falls short of what autistic people, families, educators and professionals urgently need.

While we welcome the Government’s acknowledgment of existing initiatives, the absence of clear timelines and meaningful commitments undermines the potential for real improvement. Autistic people, their families, and professionals have waited far too long for policy that is proportional to the scale of inequity and barriers faced.

Education

Autism Unlimited is particularly concerned that the Government response does not articulate specific, measurable action to address the persistent gaps in educational outcomes for autistic children and young people. The House of Lords committee’s recommendations underscore the need for sustained progress on key issues, from inclusive practice and training, to individualised support and school accountability, yet the Government’s response stops short of:

  • Setting time-bound targets to reduce exclusion rates or improve attainment and wellbeing for autistic pupils;
  • Committing to investment in specialist teacher training and school-wide neuroinclusion frameworks; or
  • Aligning SEND reform with autism-specific support pathways that reflect diverse learning needs.

Without these concrete commitments, education policy risks remaining abstract and aspirational rather than driving the real systemic change autistic learners and educators repeatedly call for. Schools need clarity, resources and accountability if we are to break cycles of exclusion and unmet need.

Assessment services

Timely, high-quality assessment is vital to securing appropriate support. We are concerned that the Government’s response doesn’t detail a plan to address the crisis in autism assessment waiting times, despite overwhelming evidence of escalating demand and injustice in access.

Autism Unlimited supports and provides assessment pathways that are person-centred, equitable, and resourced sufficiently to help reduce waiting times.  

A call for action

Autism Unlimited calls on the Government to:

  1. Commit to a new national autism strategy with a legally enforceable implementation plan and clear milestones, to be published without further delay.
  2. Build measurable education outcomes into this strategy, including inclusive practice, SEND support standards, educator development and accountability mechanisms.
  3. Develop a comprehensive investment and workforce plan to reduce autism assessment waiting times and strengthen post-diagnosis support.
  4. Ensure meaningful involvement of autistic people, families, educators and sector specialists at every stage of policy development and delivery.

Autistic children and adults, and the professionals who support them, cannot afford ambiguity. Autistic people deserve meaningful, targeted action and Autism Unlimited stands ready to work in partnership to achieve it.

Signed:
Donna Wearn, Interim Chief Executive
Gill Barrett, Education Lead