The House of Lords Autism Act 2009 Special Inquiry Committee has released a major new report following extensive evidence provided by autistic people, families, professionals, charities and public services. The report’s findings are clear: systemic barriers continue to prevent autistic people from getting the support, understanding and opportunities they deserve.
As a member charity of the Autism Alliance UK, Autism West Midlands has supported the commitment to this much needed review and we very much support the findings of the report.
A Strong Call for Change
The report concludes that successive governments have failed to tackle long-standing issues across health, education, employment and wider society. This reflects the concerns raised for years by autism organisations, including Autism West Midlands and other members of the Autism Alliance UK, about deep problems in culture, accountability and funding.
Importantly, the Committee stresses that increasing public understanding and acceptance of autistic people is essential, and that a more inclusive society benefits everyone. It is evident that whilst progress has been made, we still have a long way to go.
A New Strategy Needed
The headline recommendation is that the Government must develop a new National Autism Strategy by July 2026, when the current one ends. Autistic people, and the people who support them, must be meaningfully involved at every stage of its design and delivery.
Key Recommendations Include:
- Mandatory autism and neurodiversity training for all public services
- Clear accountability for public bodies under equality law
- Investment to reduce autism assessment waiting times
- A new, stepped approach to autism identification and support
- A national framework linking healthcare and community support
- Annual NHS health checks for autistic people
- Better support for autistic pupils across all school settings
- Increased employment opportunities, including supported internships and stronger employer standards
- Full implementation of the 2021 Neurodiversity in the Criminal Justice System recommendations
Why This Matters
This inquiry received more written evidence than any previous House of Lords investigation- nearly 400 submissions- representing just how urgent and important these issues are. The Government must respond to the report within two months.
Our View
This is a landmark moment for autistic people and their families. The evidence of long-term system failure is undeniable, and the need for change is stronger than ever. Delivering real progress will require action from government, the NHS, employers, local authorities and charities working together. Most importantly, it must be shaped with autistic people, not simply for them.
At Autism West Midlands, we remain committed to playing our part in creating a society where autistic people and their families can truly thrive and where the voices of autistic people are heard- loud and clear.
To see the report in full, click the following link: Time to deliver: The Autism Act 2009 and the new autism strategy
To access an easy read version of the full report, click the following link: Easy ready document
To view the full statement from the Autism Alliance, click the following link: House of Lords: end systemic Government failure of autistic people — Autism Alliance UK
