Building on existing work with autistic residents, families, and partners, the draft All-Age Autism Strategy sets out a shared vision for strengthening inclusion across education, employment, health, housing, and community life. It introduces the RBWM Autism Core Standard - a borough-wide framework designed to enable services to work more consistently and effectively with autistic people.
Local data shows more than 2,400 residents have a recorded autism diagnosis, with 67% of those aged under 20, meaning the number of autistic adults in the borough, with a formal diagnosis, will grow significantly over the coming years. The strategy aims to prepare for this future demand while improving support across the entire lifespan.
The draft All-Age Autism Strategy focuses on six priority areas:
- Education and lifelong learning – strengthening inclusive practice, transitions and life-skills development.
- Employment and skills – expanding supported internships, job coaching and employer partnerships.
- Health and wellbeing – improving diagnostic pathways and post-diagnostic support.
- Independent living and housing – enhancing housing pathways, assessments and adaptions.
- Community inclusion and safety – introducing an Autism Inclusion Charter and expanding sensory-friendly places.
- Support for families and carers – providing clearer information, advocacy and transition planning.
The draft strategy has been developed with autistic people, families, carers, and local partners. Residents are now able to further shape the strategy by taking part in a six-week consultation running until Monday 13 July 2026. Feedback from the consultation will be used to refine the final strategy before it is considered by the council later this year.
Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Planning and Governance, Cllr Adam Bermange, said: “Whilst there are already many examples of outstanding support for autistic people across the borough, particularly at school age, this strategy is about building on that foundation and spreading good practice.
“We want to ensure that all our services and neighborhoods continue to improve in ways that meet everyone’s needs. We encourage all residents, with lived experience of autism, to take part in our consultation and help shape the strategy in a way that delivers on our vision for genuinely neuroinclusive borough.”
Residents can read the draft strategy and complete the consultation survey on RBWM Together. Additionally, printed copies can be accessed at libraries across the borough. The consultation will remain open until 11.59pm on Monday 13 July.