Autism Strategy

Andrew Boff AM moved and Fiona Twycross AM seconded the following motion, which was agreed unanimously. 

“Autism is a hugely diverse and complex disability that affects thousands of people across London. It is currently estimated that there are around 88,000 autistic people living in London as well as the much wider group of people who live with, work with or come into contact with autistic people every day. Autism sits under the umbrella of neurodiversity. It is estimated that 10% of the population are neurodivergent. Despite this, autistic people and other neurodivergent people still face massive hurdles and health inequalities in their daily lives.

This Assembly notes the disproportionate challenges autistic people face, with research suggesting only 16% of autistic adults are in full-time paid work, over 50% of autistic people avoid public transport due to fears of disruption and 79% of autistic people feel socially isolated.

This Assembly believes that London should be a place for everyone and the Mayor should do all he can to tear down the unacceptable barriers and health inequalities faced by autistic people and other neurodivergent people across our city.

This Assembly therefore calls on the Mayor to develop an all-age London-wide autism strategy to be included within his Health Inequalities Strategy, working with Borough Councils, CCGs and others setting out how the right services and support will be provided, that all relevant professionals have the right level of autism understanding, and that our city is accessible to autistic people and open to neurodiversity.”