Charity’s new strategy to broaden support for young people with autism

Charity Ambitious about Autism says its new three-year strategy will broaden the range of support it offers to young people with autism not just in education and employment but also across other areas such as health and wellbeing.

It says the plans, which represent a significant step-change for the organisation, are needed to bring about “bold change” for autistic young people facing an uncertain future as they emerge from the pandemic.

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“We see the unnecessary barriers facing autistic young people, the opportunities out of reach, and the consequences of being pushed to the margins.

“A perfect storm of the pandemic, economic uncertainty, reduced resources and an ongoing lack of understanding of autism means the next three years are critical,” said Jolanta Lasota, the charity’s chief executive.

The strategy, which sets out goals across five areas including employment, citizenship and family and relationships, will see the expansion of successful programmes and the launch of new initiatives.

Under plans to expand existing services, a new free school will be opened in Kingston upon Thames, the charity said.

This would be followed by the opening of other specialist schools and colleges, it added.

Through its Employ Autism programme, the charity says it will work to develop better careers education for autistic young people as well as creating more work experience opportunities through its links with employers.

A post-diagnostic support service for children and young people with autism will also be piloted.

This will be supported by increased campaigning for better support during and after diagnosis as well as equal access to diagnosis and improved waiting times, the charity said.

Statistics highlighted by the charity show 56 per cent of parents report their autistic child has been "unofficially" excluded from school at some point; fewer than 22 per cent of autistic people are in full or part time employment and the average life expectancy for a person with autism is 54 years.

“This simply isn’t good enough. We stand with autistic children and young people to push for bold change,” said Lasota.

“In developing this strategy we’ve listened to autistic children and young people, parents and carers, our staff and supporters.

“These conversations reinforced what we, and others in the sector already know. The last eighteen months have been extremely hard for many autistic children, young people and their families.

“The movement for change has already begun but it’s not nearly fast enough. Small changes, acceptance and understanding, the right support at the right time, that’s all we ask,” she added.