I am submitting this response as a late-diagnosed autistic female. I identify as neurodivergent and use identity-first, neuroaffirming language to reflect the lived experience of many in the autistic community. It is vital that across all sectors-education, health, care, and employment-there is an adoption of neuroaffirming, respectful terminology that recognises autism as a difference, not a deficit.
Autistic people continue to face widespread stereotyping, marginalisation and discrimination. These stereotypes are damaging and contribute to social exclusion, barriers to access, and worsened mental health outcomes.
Autistic individuals experience significantly higher rates of mental health issues than the general population. Research by Autistica shows that up to 80% of autistic people experience mental health difficulties (Autistica, 2024). Autistic people without learning disabilities are up to nine times more likely to die by suicide (Autistica, 2024).
A UCL study found that autistic men without learning disabilities live on average to 74.6 years and women to 76.8 years-both significantly lower than the general population (UCL, 2023).
Only 29% of autistic adults are in employment, compared to 82% of the general population (National Autistic Society, 2024). This disparity is partly due to ongoing stigma, lack of reasonable adjustments, and misunderstanding of neurodivergent talent.
Despite the introduction of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training and Anna Freud's National Autism Training, there is little demonstrable change in practice. Health and social care professionals continue to lack understanding of reasonable adjustments.
Sensory environments, appointment structures and communication formats are not adapted to autistic needs. The Sensory Health Project by University of Bristol demonstrates how sensory-friendly clinical environments can reduce distress and increase engagement (Bristol University, 2021).
Adjustments should be standardised rather than reliant on autistic individuals to repeatedly request them. Communication preferences should be asked and documented at first contact, clear appointment maps and videos should be made standard.
Mandatory training is essential for all education professionals, including LA SEND staff and social workers. Smaller, sensory-friendly school environments are critical. Currently, social care professionals are not required to undertake autism training unless CQC-registered.
All-age autism strategies must be developed and enforced in every local authority with clear accountability and measurable outcomes.
There is a need for legal reinforcement of universal design standards that include autistic access needs-just as the Equality Act 2010 protects broader disability rights.
Mandatory training on neurodiversity, the Equality Act 2010, and Access to Work must be introduced for all HR and management staff involved in recruitment or staff development.
Intersectional individuals often experience longer waits or no access to diagnosis. Diagnosis should not be a privilege-it should be timely and equitable for all.
Pervasive myths such as 'everyone is a little bit autistic' or 'autism is fashionable' trivialise and delegitimise the lived experience of autistic people and must be actively addressed in public discourse.
Legislation must have enforcement mechanisms similar to GDPR, including a regulatory body and sanctions, to ensure compliance and efficacy.
All national and local policy must be co-produced with autistic individuals. An annual autism-specific health check should be introduced to address disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.
2nd June 2025
Autistica. (2024). Suicide and Autism. Available at: https://www.autistica.org.uk [Accessed 2 Jun 2025].
University College London. (2023). Premature death in autistic people in the UK investigated for first time. Available at: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news [Accessed 2 Jun 2025].
National Autistic Society. (2024). The Buckland Review of Autism Employment. Available at: https://www.autism.org.uk [Accessed 2 Jun 2025].
Bristol University. (2021). Sensory Health Project. Available at: https://www.autismcentreofexcellence.org [Accessed 2 Jun 2025].
Phillips, S. (2023). Autistic Endeavour: How Steph Phillips turned campaigner. Available at: https://www.csp.org.uk/frontline/article/autistic-endeavour-steph-phillips-turned-campaigner [Accessed 2 Jun 2025].
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