A new report on systemic change
Rising autism diagnosis rates have been the subject of debate across policy and public affairs. The Government in England has commissioned an Independent Review to explore the factors behind rising diagnosis, across autism, ADHD, and mental health conditions. At a time of intense pressure on public resources, and with stigmatising narratives circulating about ‘overdiagnosis’, there is a risk that once again, policy fails autistic children, young people, and adults, and their families.
At these times, it is vital to have clear sight of the big picture.
For decades, autistic people have faced systemic barriers across society and services. These barriers have not gone away, and autistic children, young people and adults continue to experience some of the greatest harms of any group.
In the policy world there is interest in ‘strengths and needs assessment’ as a way of improving outcomes and avoiding diagnosis being used to restrict access to services, as is currently the case. But without addressing systemic barriers, any move towards ‘needs-led’ services is likely to fail.
A New Path Ahead sets out the case for systemic change, and shows how this might be achieved. It shows the benefits of systemic change: better outcomes, more cost-effective spending, and gains for the economy. And it recognises that support and adjustments that work for autistic people are likely to have far wider benefits for other groups, and for everyone.
Developed with autistic young people and adults, parents/carers, leading autism researchers and clinicians, and national autism charities, the report is designed to inform the final report of the Independent Review, and the subsequent policy response from the Government in England. The recommendations also apply to governments across the UK.
A New Path Ahead will be of interest to policymakers, MPs, charities, and autistic people and their families. Please feel free to share the report widely. As well as the full report, there is a two-page summary, and and an easy read version.