New Autism Strategy (Autism Act 2009 Committee Report)
Baroness Dacres of Lewisham Excerpts(3 days, 9 hours ago)
Lords ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Baroness Dacres of Lewisham (Lab)
My Lords, when we speak about autism and—to expand the debate today—neurodivergence, we are speaking about people with their own strengths, challenges, perspectives and ways of experiencing the world. One point that has stayed with me came from a teacher who described the autistic spectrum as being like a unique combination of different balloons carried by each individual person. Some balloons may represent communication, sensory processing, anxiety, social interaction, confidence or learning styles; the combination is different for every person.
The report rightly highlights that many neurodivergent people continue to experience inequalities across healthcare, education, employment and wider society. Too often, support remains inconsistent and fragmented. We know that, with the right support at an early age and throughout education, neurodivergent children and young people can flourish and reach their fullest potential. Early identification, informed teaching and appropriate support matter, alongside ensuring that families and carers have access to clear guidance and support. Those with lived experience, together with their families and carers, should help shape the support and services available.
Importantly, autism and neurodivergence do not disappear in adulthood. Too often, support falls away once a young person leaves school or transitions into adult services. Many neurodivergent adults continue to face barriers in employment, healthcare and mental health support. That is why I strongly support an all-age approach, something that the committee recognises clearly in its report.
As someone from local government, I emphasise the critical role that councils and local partnerships play in delivering meaningful change. Local authorities are often the front door to support for families through schools, SEND services, housing, adult social care, public health and community services. In Lewisham, our all-age autism strategy brings together education, health, social care, employers and community partners to create a more autism-inclusive borough. A central principle of that strategy is “nothing about us without us”, ensuring that people with lived experience, families and carers help to shape services and decisions.
We should work closely with local authorities across all regions and nations of the United Kingdom to ensure greater consistency in support and opportunity. Local government understands its communities, but councils cannot deliver transformational change alone. It requires partnership and shared responsibility across the whole system. The standard of support available to neurodivergent people should not depend on where someone happens to live.
Autism and neurodivergence should be a golden thread running through government departments, public services, employers and the legislation that we bring forward in this House. Greater understanding of autism and neurodivergence within the justice system is also extremely important. Differences in communication, comprehension and body language can sometimes lead neurodivergent people to be misunderstood, particularly in stressful situations. That is why training and awareness across the criminal justice system are so important.
We also need greater training, awareness and support for employers. Neurodivergent people have enormous strengths, talents and potential, yet too many still face unnecessary barriers to employment, support in the workplace and progression. We must create workplace cultures where neurodivergent applicants and employees feel safe to disclose their neurodivergence and needs without fear of stigma.
Neurodivergent people should feel understood, respected and supported throughout every stage of life. Now is the time for joined-up action and delivery across all levels of government, in partnership with public services, employers, families and carers, and especially those with lived experience.