Improving the quality of life for autistic people in Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire Council has today (Tuesday 23 September) signed off a new partnership plan to improve the quality of life for all autistic people in the county.
Created with key partners across health, education and social care, including Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Integrated Care Board and Oxfordshire Healthcare Trust, the Buckinghamshire All-Age Autism Strategy 2025-2030 aims to enhance the quality of life for autistic people by removing barriers, addressing inequalities, and improving outcomes.
The strategy has been developed through close consultation with autistic people, their families, and other key stakeholders and organisations.
It is estimated that around one in every 100 people have autism. Figures for Buckinghamshire show that in 2020, 1.75% of children were recorded as having autism and 1,400 adults with autism are recorded as living in the county in 2025.
The strategy has five key 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
An action plan with clear measures has been created to implement the strategy and will be monitored regularly. Each highlighted action has a dedicated lead partner responsible for progressing to completion.
Isobel Darby, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:
“Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world, communicate and interact with others. It impacts everyone differently and so the needs of autistic people and the level of support they require can vary significantly. Our aim is to ensure that all autistic people, at all stages of their lives, are provided with the right level of support for their individual need and are given equal opportunities to thrive and achieve.”
Ade Osibogun, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, said:
"By listening to the experiences of autistic children, young people and adults in Buckinghamshire, we have developed a detailed plan to help improve the lives of autistic people while also bringing about step changes to help make Buckinghamshire a more inclusive place for all. Our strategy is built on a shared commitment to action, and I look forward to working with our partners and the wider community to deliver our priorities."
The Buckinghamshire All Age Autism Strategy and action plan align with both the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and Better Lives strategies as well as the National Autism Strategy introduced by central government in 2021.