Lambeth All Age Autism Strategy consultation

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Lambeth Council and partners in NHS South East London worked together in early 2023 to co-produce a borough-wide All-Age Autism Strategy (2024–2027). We consulted widely with autistic people, families, carers, and professionals across Lambeth between February and March 2023 to shape the priorities and direction of the strategy.

two young men working together at a table not looking at each otherThe vision: people of all ages with autism are valued and included in their communities

Lambeth’s vision is to ensure individuals of all ages on the autism spectrum are valued and included in their communities. This includes having access to early intervention and education services, as well as employment and housing opportunities that are tailored to the unique needs of individuals on the autism spectrum.

The Council is leading work with partners and stakeholders to develop a strategy that will improve diagnosis and assessment; increase the availability of support; improve training for professionals; and raise awareness about the condition.

Lambeth is committed to understanding what matters most to local people in developing the Strategy. Hearing the voices of autistic people and those who care for and support them will mean that plans will be right for autistic people of all ages.

The Council would like to hear from all people living with autism – children, young people and adults, families and carers. Hearing from people who identify as autistic as well as those with a formal diagnosis of autism and those who receive support for their needs, will help make sure that planners understand the full range of experience of autistic people in Lambeth.

A focus on 7 key areas

The Autism consultation focuses on 7 key areas. 6 of these key areas are identified in the National Autism Strategy.  Additionally, Lambeth has identified a seventh important area of focus, based on local data and insights.

  1. Improving understanding and acceptance of autism within society
  2. Improving autistic children and young people’s access to education and supporting positive transitions to adulthood
  3. Supporting more autistic people into employment
  4. Tackling health and care inequalities for autistic people
  5. Building the right support in the community and supporting people in inpatient care
  6. Improving support within the criminal and youth justice systems
  7. Improving understanding of the roles of parents or carers and how best to work collaboratively with them

How to have your say on Lambeth’s All Age Autism Strategy

There are lots of ways to share your views

  • Fill in an online survey 
  • Send your ideas and comments by email to: asccommissioning@lambeth.gov.uk  
  • Attend a community consultation event. Email the Council Adult Social care team to find out more: asccommissioning@lambeth.gov.uk

Preschool boy in classroom with headphones on

What we did?

Through the 2023 consultation, we:

  • Engaged over 200 people through surveys, events, and one-to-one discussions
  • Heard from autistic adults, young people, carers, education professionals, voluntary groups and more
  • Identified gaps in early diagnosis, transitions, community support, and employment

We used your feedback to co-produce the Lambeth All-Age Autism Strategy, which launched in September 2024 – Read the strategy here: Lambeth All Age Autism Strategy

What we’re doing now

We are now running a targeted consultation focused on services for autistic adults aged 25 and over, during the original engagement. We want to understand how we can improve access to appropriate support, housing, mental health, and employment services. To find out more email: allageautism@lambeth.gov.uk 

 

 

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