Our 2026-31 strategy
Why change is needed
Awareness and acceptance of autism have grown significantly in recent years. More children and young people are being identified as autistic and expectations around their support, inclusion and attainment have rightly increased. This is positive progress.
This strategy starts from a simple belief. Change is possible if we are ambitious and work together to achieve it. It focuses on removing the systemic barriers that limit progress and on building a system that works better from the start.
The education system has a central role to play. Its purpose is not to just achieve academic attainment for those who can easily access it. It must provide a holistic education, including access to timely health, community and employment support, so that all children and young people can learn, thrive and move confidently into adult life. This strategy sets out how that can change.
Our vision
Acceptance and opportunity for every autistic child and young person.
Our mission
We help autistic children and young people to learn, thrive and achieve in a world where they belong.
We are ambitious
for autistic children and young people and our work.
We celebrate difference
creating a world where everyone belongs.
We are open
to new approaches, in how we make decisions, and engage with our community.
We work together
with autistic children and young people, parents and carers, our partners and staff to maximise impact and reach.
We love learning
and commit to learn from our successes and mistakes; sharing knowledge, expertise and resources.
Education
The outcome that we are seeking is that more autistic children and young people have a high quality and inclusive education that enables them to learn, thrive and achieve.
Currently, many autistic children and young people miss out on the education they deserve. The system lacks the culture, capability and capacity to support them to achieve good outcomes in education and beyond. Our strategy is focused on evolving and improving the system so that autistic children and young people achieve better life long outcomes.
Employment and enterprise
The outcome we are seeking is that more autistic young are prepared for employment and enterprise and employers are better prepared to make the most of their talent.
We want educators to ensure good outcomes for autistic children and young people so that, whatever their ambition and ability, employment is an option for all young people.
Community inclusion
The outcome that we are seeking is that more autistic children and young people have a sense of belonging and opportunities to participate as part of their communities.
We want autistic children and young people to have the same opportunities to participate as their non-autistic peers – from enrichment activities in education to youth groups and social networks in their communities. We recognise the risk of loneliness and isolation, and we want them to develop the skills, confidence and resilience that will them transition to work and fulfilling adult lives.
Health and wellbeing
The outcome that we are seeking is that more autistic children and young people have improved health and wellbeing through access to timely autism assessment and diagnosis and mental health support.
We will work in partnership with the autism sector to support the development of an autism assessment and diagnosis system that meets need in a timely and appropriate way. This will include ensuring education providers are able to identify and support needs early and work with health services to provide specialist support as needed.
Partner with us
let’s work together to create lasting change for autistic children and young people.
Donate today
and help change the lives and futures of autistic children and young people.
Work for us
join us to create a world where autistic children and young people belong.