Buckinghamshire All-Age Autism Strategy
We have launched an All-Age Autism Strategy to improve the quality of life for all autistic people in the county.
We want autistic people to get the support that they need to live full and independent lives in their communities. We want professionals, services and communities to understand how to support individuals so that autistic people can access information, services and support at the right time.
The Buckinghamshire All-Age Autism Strategy was developed in close consultation with:
- autistic people and their families
- stakeholders across health, education, and social care including:
- Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust
- the Integrated Care Board for Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire
- Oxfordshire Healthcare Trust
Aims
It aims to enhance quality of life by removing barriers, addressing inequalities and improving outcomes.
The strategy has 5 main aims:
- tackling health and care inequalities
- improving autism awareness and understanding
- meeting the needs of autistic children and young people
- enhancing employment support
- promoting independent living
To deliver the strategy, we’ve developed a partnership action plan that is reviewed annually and monitored regularly.
Each action has a named lead responsible for progress and the Learning Disability and Mental Health Board, with representatives from a range of organisations, will oversee the delivery of the action plan.
View the strategy
View the All-Age Autism Strategy PDF, 7.09MB.
View the All-Age Autism Action Plan.
Further resources
View a list of organisations who can provide advice and support or use our directory search.
Hear from Autism Bucks
A charity for Autistic adults, about their experiences of living life on the spectrum
Buckinghamshire Council Autism Toolbox: Toolbox to provide advice, and signpost families to support, services, and resources.
National Autistic Society: Support 700,000 autistic people in the UK and their families. Campaign nationally for stronger rights, inclusion, and better support. Train organisations to improve autism understanding and accessibility. Dedicated to improving lives and shaping positive public attitudes.
Bucks SEND Local Offer: A central, accessible hub that brings together information on education, health, social care, and support services available for children and young people (aged 0 to 25) with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in Buckinghamshire.
Bucks SENDIAS service: A central, accessible hub that brings together information on education, health, social care, and support services available for children and young people (aged 0 to 25) with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in Buckinghamshire.
Max Card: The Max Card is the UK’s leading discount card for foster families and families of children with additional needs. Families can use their Max Card at venues across the UK to get free or discounted admission.
Autism Bucks: Provides resources, advice, and social activities for autistic adults and their carers. It offers face-to-face and online meetings, guest speakers, and community events.
Thames Valley Autism Alert Card: Provides a quick, simple way for autistic people to explain their needs in challenging situations.
Talkback: Offers support programs designed for all stages of life, from young adults to seniors. Their services include social activities, employment support, and personal development programs.
Adult Social Care - Buckinghamshire Council: Provides support to autistic adults where there is a need for care and support and works closely with health partners to ensure that each person’s needs are fully understood with tailored support where possible.
Oxford Health NHS: Offers a diagnostic and intervention service alongside an online information offer.
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust: Learning Disability Liaison Team, supporting adult patients with learning disabilities and autism, and their carers, to access high quality care and have a positive experience in hospital.
We’re working closely with our local community to help make Buckinghamshire autism friendly. Take a look at what’s on offer near you:
Cinema
Autism Friendly screenings are usually once a month. View Autism Friendly Screenings at ODEON.
For Autism Awareness Week, ODEON will be playing one Autism Friendly screening every day at different times across a wide range of films, so there's something for all audiences. Timings to be confirmed.
Culture
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre: offers accessible shows and provides access guide.
Discover Bucks Museum: provides autism backpacks filled with sensory and play resources to support visits.
National Paralympic Heritage Trust (NPHT): delivers digital tools, sensory‑friendly resources and inclusive employment initiatives supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Trainees with autism are currently working at the NPHT to make a short film about how the heritage centre suits their needs, which will go on their website and social media.
Wycombe Swan Theatre: has a special Viewing Room at the back of the stalls. It is within the auditorium, but completely enclosed, meaning that sound can feel more muted, and it's away from the large number of people the auditorium holds. The theatre also offers relaxed pantomime performances.
Wycombe Museum: Thursday and Friday afternoons during term time are generally quiet times to visit and visitors are welcome to call in advance to check on the 'best days' for a SEND visit (i.e. confirming dates most likely to be quiet). The museum also runs SEND-specific sessions around Christmas time including a Mrs Claus storytime. Currently developing a sensory trail around the museum but not complete yet.
Buckinghamshire Libraries: provides autism‑friendly spaces with sensory tools and resources, as well as inclusive sessions such as Sensory Storytimes and the Teen Neurodiversity Social Club (Marlow Library).
Sport/Leisure
Places Leisure at Wycombe Leisure Centre: SEND Inflatable sessions are held on Thursdays 12:30pm to 2pm (reduced capacity at a quiet time) and discounted 1-2-1 swimming lessons. The centre also partner with Horizons Multi Sports Club to offer SEND swimming lessons on Wednesday evening (in a dedicated space with specially trained teachers).
More Leisure: offer a range of 'quieter hour' across the sites they manage, which have reduced numbers in the activity and less noise/sound/music etc.
Aqua Vale Swimming & Fitness Centre:
Quiet hour swim (adults only) – Tuesday 2pm to 3pm
Disability swim – Wednesday 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Quiet hour swim (adults only) – Wednesday 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Disability swim – Thursday 1pm to 2pm
Quieter hours every Wednesday - 12:30pm to 2:30pm.
Swan Pool & Leisure Centre:
Quiet hour swim – Monday 11am to 12pm
Quieter hours every Monday 11am to 1pm.
Beacon and Evreham quieter hours are everyday 12pm to 2pm
Stoke Mandeville Stadium:
Quiet hour swim – Wednesday 12pm to 12:45pm
Inclusive swim (disability) – Wednesday 12:45 to 1:30pm
Quiet hour swim – Thursday 8am to 9:15am
Inclusive swim (disability) – Thursday 9:15am to 10am
Quieter hours are Wednesday 12pm to 2pm and Thursday 8am to 10am.
Black Park Country Park: provide inclusive Forest School sessions.