Why do we want change?
The Challenge
Although awareness of autism is now almost universal, autistic people still experience unacceptable inequalities in our society.
Despite dedicated laws such as the Autism Act 2009, successive Government strategies, and many commitments, outcomes for autistic people are not improving in the ways they should, and too many autistic people are not living full and happy lives.
This is because autistic people and their families face deep barriers across our society and public services:
Continuing stigma and prejudice, in part due to low understanding of autism and autistic people’s experiences.
A lack of accountability for improving autistic people’s lives amongst people and organisations at all levels of the system.
Barriers that prevent funding being used to commission the right support for autistic people and their families.
As a result, autistic people routinely experience outcomes which most people would find shocking, and yet these outcomes are rarely reflected in public discussion or the media:
The Cost
An equal society
In failing to include and recognise autistic people, we are perpetuating an unacceptable social inequality. Autism has a substantial genetic basis; it is lifelong; and has always been part of human society. Like all of us, every autistic person has strengths and needs. Autistic people are just people: yet though awareness is now almost universal, we continue to see stigma and prejudice, which leads to exclusion and poorer outcomes.
A thriving economy
We are missing out on the economic benefits of including autistic people in the economy. The employment rate for autistic people remains unacceptably low, at around 30%, yet many autistic people can thrive in employment, making a powerful contribution that reflects their strengths and providing their organisations with distinct, competitive advantages. Research by Pro Bono Economics found that doubling the employment rate for autistic people could realise economic benefits of up to £1.5 billion per year.
Add to this the savings that could be made by investing in the right services and support first time, rather than just funding short-term measures to deal with preventable crises, and the economic benefit of focusing on autism is likely to be considerable.
A society that works for autistic people would benefit everyone
One of the major reasons for improving services and society for autistic people isn’t just about autism.
The principles we would follow to help autistic people thrive are principles we would all subscribe to for ourselves. And as the evidence shows, not only would they improve outcomes, they would deliver services that offer better value for money.
These principles include:
Recognising that everyone has needs which, if met mean they can function, participate and contribute - these are ‘essentials’, not ‘nice to haves’.
Identifying strengths and needs as early as possible in life, putting the right support in place first time, and reviewing strengths and needs regularly in case support needs to change.
Defining an acceptable level of support and adaptation to need that should be present in all public services, wherever they are provided.
Adopting an inclusive approach across society and in the workplace, recognising and reflecting strengths and needs.
“Everything is a fight – it should not be a fight. To get a diagnosis is a fight, to get the correct support is a fight, getting the right education is a fight. It’s never ending and it shouldn’t be like that. It’s basically a question of money and understanding: there are too many obstacles in the way.”
Autistic adult, Autism Alliance focus group, 2023
