Autism related news

What we did for Neurodiversity Awareness week and Autism Acceptance Month 2026

We have been busy posting on Instagram for Neurodiversity Awareness week and Autism Acceptance Month

The Health for Teens team has supported us to create a series of Instagram posts for recent awareness campaigns.

Key points:

• Health for Teens worked with our Digital Practitioners, who create content for Autism Space and respond to messages on Chat Autism
• Together, we developed posts for Neurodiversity Awareness Week (March 16-20 – 2026) and Autism Acceptance Month (April 2026)
• The posts shared clear, practical information for neurodivergent young people
• Content focused on wellbeing, everyday support, myth-busting and real experiences

This work is part of our aim to help neurodivergent and autistic people find information and advice that supports everyday life, confidence and feeling better in themselves.

Click this link to view the posts:
www.instagram.com/healthforteens_leicester

Leicester City Council neurodiversity plan

Leicester City Council publishes neurodiversity plan

Leicester City Council has set out a new plan to improve support for neurodivergent people, including autistic people, across the city.

Key points:

• Focus on improving understanding of neurodiversity across services
• Plans to improve access to information, advice and support
• Aims to increase opportunities for employment and meaningful activities
• Includes work to make public places and transport more accessible
• The council has worked with neurodivergent people through local consultation sessions
• They will continue to involve neurodivergent people in shaping services

The plan aims to improve outcomes across health, social care and community services, and will continue to be shaped with input from neurodivergent people.

Click this link to read more:
cabinet.leicester.gov.uk/documents/s161134/25.13.03%20Scrutiny%20Report%20Autism-ND%20Delivery%20Plan%20Final.pdf

Leicestershire Autistic Society's March LinkUp magazine now out

Leicestershire Autistic Society’s March LinkUp magazine is now out

It’s printable, downloadable – and packed full of information about the amazing clubs and events the LAS organise and support – plus listings of other events and support services and much more.  A fantastic resource for local autistic people and their families.

Click this link to read it:

LAS LinkUp March 26

Join the Health Equity Champions Network

Join the Health Equity Champions Network

We are interested in working together to reduce health inequalities for people with learning disabilities and autistic people

Are you passionate about health equity?

Want to make a difference in your community?
Join a network that listens, learns, and leads change.

What is the Health Equity Champions Network?

A space where local communities, voluntary organisations, and statutory services come together with a shared goal:
To improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities for people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

Why Join?

Collaborate with others who are passionate about equity.

Share ideas, raise concerns, and help shape local change.

Hear from people with lived experience.

Be part of real, impactful action

Get updates on projects, training, and resources.

How We Work

Quarterly meetings via Microsoft Teams

Open, inclusive, and community-led conversations
Opportunities to lead, influence and co-produce initiatives

Interested? Get Involved!

Contact: Rebecca Eccles
Health Equity Lead – LDA Collaborative
rebecca.eccles@nhs.net

UK neurodiversity plan to improve justice system

National Autistic Society named London Marathon charity partner

National Autistic Society named London Marathon charity partner

The National Autistic Society has been chosen as the official charity partner for the 2027 London Marathon.

Key points:

• The event aims to raise funds and awareness
• Plans include making the marathon more inclusive
• The campaign encourages people to take simple steps to support autistic people in everyday life

This is seen as a positive opportunity to increase public understanding of autism.

Click this link to read more:
www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/london-marathon-confirms-national-autistic-society-as-lead-charity-partner-for-2027-event.html

Support dog helps autistic child on journeys

Support dog helps autistic child on journeys

A BBC News story has highlighted how a trained support dog is helping an autistic child feel calmer and safer on everyday journeys.

The dog, trained by a UK charity, provides reassurance in situations that can feel overwhelming, including car journeys and busy outings. [aol.com]

Key points:

• The child previously struggled with short car journeys and busy environments
• The support dog helps them feel calmer and more settled
• The dog can respond when the child is distressed and offer comfort and reassurance
• The family said the support has made daily life easier and more flexible

Since being matched with the dog, the child has been able to take part in more activities, such as family trips and visits out.

Stories like this show how assistance dogs can improve confidence, safety and wellbeing for autistic people and their families.

Click this link to read more:
www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-derbyshire-68976748

Christine McGuinness discusses dating in BBC podcast

Christine McGuinness discusses dating in BBC podcast

A BBC podcast episode has explored dating as an autistic person, featuring presenter Christine McGuinness.

The episode is part of Situationships, a BBC Sounds series about relationships and dating.

Key points:

• Christine shared how being autistic can affect dating and relationships
• She said some situations, like busy or new places, can feel overwhelming
• She highlighted the importance of being open about needs and preferences
• The podcast explores real experiences and offers honest discussion about dating

The programme aims to raise awareness of how autistic people may experience dating differently, and the importance of understanding and communication.

Click this link to listen:
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0ljk1vg

Former rugby player Gavin Henson speaks about autism

Former rugby player Gavin Henson speaks about autism

Former Wales rugby player Gavin Henson has spoken about believing he is autistic. He said this helped him understand why he sometimes felt different during his rugby career.

Key points:

• He said he did not always feel he fit the “norm” in team environments
• He found social situations and friendships more difficult to manage
• He described learning to adapt his behaviour in order to fit in with teammates

Henson said that understanding autism later in life helped explain his experiences. His story may help increase awareness of how autistic people can experience sport and team environments in different ways.

Click this link to read more:
uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/gavin-hensons-diagnosis-telling-six-161142642.html

A New Path Ahead – new report created by leading autism organisations

New report calls for better support for autistic people

A new UK report called A New Path Ahead was published on 29 April 2026. It was created by leading autism organisations, including Autistica, the Autism Alliance UK, and other national charities, working with autistic people, families, researchers and clinicians.

The report explains how services could work better and be easier to access.

Key points:

• Support should focus on each person’s strengths and needs, not just diagnosis.
• Waiting times for diagnosis should be reduced, so people get help sooner.
• Health, education and social care should be joined up and consistent across the UK.
• Support should change over time as a person’s needs change.

The report says many people are still waiting too long for support, and services do not always meet their needs. It calls for practical investment to create a system that works better in everyday life.

Click this link to read more:
www.autistica.org.uk/news/joint-charity-report-support-and-diagnosis

New national autism strategy – due by July 2026

New autism strategy expected to shape support across England

The UK Government is developing a new national autism strategy, due by July 2026. This will replace the current plan and set out how services should support autistic people of all ages.

The strategy follows concerns from Parliament that past plans have not led to enough real change. It is expected to focus on improving everyday support and making services more consistent.

Key areas likely to be included:

• Faster and fairer access to autism diagnosis
• Better support in schools and education (SEND)
• Improved healthcare and mental health services
• More support for employment and independent living
• Greater understanding of autism across public services

There is also a stronger focus on involving autistic people in decisions about their own support and in shaping services.

This is an important moment, as the new strategy could influence how support is delivered across health, education and social care for the next several years.

Click this link to read more:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/autism-act-government-response-to-lords-select-committee-report/government-response-to-lords-select-committees-report-time-to-deliver-the-autism-act-2009-and-the-new-autism-strategy

Survey highlights impact of school absence on autistic pupils

Survey highlights impact of school absence on autistic pupils

A UK survey published in early 2026 found that many autistic pupils are missing school. Around 1 in 6 had not attended at all since the start of the school year.

Key points:

• Absence is often linked to anxiety and mental health needs
• Some pupils say school environments do not meet their needs
• Families report feeling blamed rather than supported

The findings highlight the need for more suitable support in schools and better understanding of autistic pupils’ needs.

Click this link to read more:
www.theguardian.com/education/2026/feb/04/one-in-six-autistic-pupils-in-uk-have-not-attended-school-at-all-since-september

Long waits for autism assessments continue

Long waits for autism assessments continue

The National Autistic Society (NAS) has reported that over 254,000 people are waiting for an autism assessment in the UK.

Key points:

• Waiting lists have grown as more people seek diagnosis
• Delays can affect access to support, education and benefits
• NAS is calling for urgent action to reduce waiting times

The issue is a key focus in current national policy discussions.

Click this link to read more:
www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/news

Alton Towers changes disability access plan after feedback

Alton Towers changes disability access plan after feedback

Alton Towers has changed its plans to restrict access to its disability queue system, following strong public feedback.

The theme park had planned to update its Ride Access Pass, which helps people who cannot wait in long queues. The proposed changes would have affected some autistic poeple and people with ADHD and anxiety, especially those who find busy or crowded spaces difficult.

What has changed:

• The planned trial has been paused
• The company said it has listened to feedback from disabled visitors
• The existing system will stay in place for now

The changes were widely criticised. Some families said the new rules would make it harder or impossible to visit the park.

The company has apologised and said it will now work with disabled people and experts to find a better approach. It also said demand for the pass has increased, putting pressure on the system.

This story highlights ongoing challenges in making public spaces accessible for everyone.

Click this link to read more:
www.bbc.co.uk/news

Archive of past Autism Space local news items

Healthwatch survey about women’s health care experiences

Archived on 01/05/26

Healthwatch want to hear from women and girls across Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland about their health and care experiences.

• The survey takes about 10 minutes
• Open to all women and girls aged 14+
• Completely anonymous

Your voice will help shape the future of local NHS and care services.

Take part now: Every Woman’s Health Matters
Find out more: [www.healthwatchll.com/WomansHealthMatters](https://www.healthwatchll.com/WomansHealthMatters)

www.healthwatchll.com/WomansHealthMatters

Autism Space website development survey

Archived February 2026

Here at Autism Space we are always looking for ways to improve.

We are planning some exciting improvements for the near future.

We want to make sure you can find all the information you need about important autism related topics and support services as easily as possible.

We will work together with colleagues who support people with learning disabilities, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions.  We also want to make sure there is information and advice available on these topics too.

We would love to hear what you think.  If you would like to share your opinions and ideas, please complete our short online survey by clicking this link:

forms.chathealth.nhs.uk/index.php/921175?lang=en

How Minecraft is helping local university students

Archived on 01/05/26

Parts of De Montfort University (DMU), in Leicester, have been recreated by student Eden Turner to provide a place for people to meet up and make friends while playing the hit video game.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cevddr1zdxyo

Leicester sisters set out vision for new city café – BBC News March 2024

Two sisters are opening a café on Evington Road, Leicester. They are expanding their autism hub, which has been helping people in the city for four years. Click this link to find out more:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-68684372

Survey to find out how to help people with a learning disability at risk of behaviour that challenges, to avoid harm from psychotropic medicines

Archived January 2025

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and Northamptonshire NHS Trusts have been working alongside the Health Innovation East Midlands Team on a Medicine Safety Improvement Programme: ‘Helping people with a learning disability, at risk of behaviour that challenges, to avoid harm from psychotropic medicines’.

As part of the programme, they want to hear from those with lived and learnt experience and to help.

This is an easy read short survey that asked questions to understand how medicines are used for individuals with a learning disability.

To complete the survey. click this link:

forms.office.com/e/PTHUjpCEQ3

Psychotropic medicines affect how the brain works and include medicines for psychosis, depression, anxiety, sleep problems and epilepsy. Sometimes they are also given to people because their behaviour is seen as challenging.

People with a learning disability, autism or both are more likely than other people to be given these medicines. It is felt that these medicines are right for some people to help them stay safe and well. But sometimes there are other ways of helping people, so they need less medicine or none at all.

For more information about this, click this link

www.leicspart.nhs.uk/autism-space/health/stomp-stamp/

In January 2025, Leicestershire Partnership Trust (LPT) teamed up with Raising Health charity to introduce sensory bags support autistic people

Key points:

• LPT launched sensory bags to support autistic people and people with a learning disability
• The bags are used across community and mental health inpatient services
• They are designed to reduce stress and support sensory needs in healthcare environments
• Items include ear defenders, fidget tools, eye masks and easy-read information
• Around 500 bags were funded and distributed through partnership with the charity Raising Health
• The aim is to help autistic people feel more comfortable and supported when accessing care.

Read more:
www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/lpt-launches-sensory-bags-to-support-autistic-people-and-people-with-a-learning-disability

Archive of past Autism Space national news items

Cardiff couple invited a man into their home for Christmas and he stayed for 45 years

Archived on 01/05/26

World Autism Acceptance Month 2025

The idea is for everyone to get talking with one another and foster a greater awareness and understanding of autism and autistic people.  Autistic people need to be better understood, accepted and supported.  Attitudes need to change.  Difference needs to be celebrated not scorned. We should all be doing what we can to adapt to meet the individual needs of individual people – not get them to change to be more like the majority.

What can you do to help?

Can you have conversations with friends, family and colleagues that help to encourage a better understanding of autism?

Click this National Autistic Society link for ideas, resources and activities that might help you:

www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/acceptance-and-awareness/world-autism-acceptance-month

Here are some things to get you thinking and talking

Autistic people often have skills in pattern-spotting, innovation and problem-solving. This has the potential to bring many positive benefits to humankind.  However, typically, society sees their differences as defective – and people autistic people are often expected to change to fit in.

Small changes are beginning to happen – but we need a radical shift in global thinking, to accept autism -and neurodiversity in general – as a normal and vital part of human diversity.  Society must make greater efforts to understand, accept and celebrate autism and neurodiversity – and support neurodivergent people to be their true selves and to thrive as individuals and in the community.

Myths around autism – there are many!

Click here for some myth-busting facts from Autistica

Here are some personal thoughts from our autistic staff member, Emma

Despite the challenges that being autistic brings, I have a fulfilling life with a partner, children, strong friendships, hobbies and interests – and a job I love.   This is possible as I have learned how to recognise my strengths, differences and difficulties.  And I have got better at advocating for my needs. I want to give other autistic people hope that with a greater understanding of autism, thriving is possible.

However, I know I have the advantage of being white, middle class and able to speak.  Many other neurodivergent people do not have these advantages – and society needs to do much better at addressing this.

Many autistic people over 50 are undiagnosed – BBC News November 2024

A study of primary care records in England indicates that between 250,000 and 600,000 people over the age of 50 in England may be autistic but undiagnosed.  This suggests more than 90% of autistic people over 50 are undiagnosed.
Click the link below to read a BBC news article about Andrew Davies who had a lifetime of feeling broken and like he did not fit in – until he discovered he was autistic at the age of 70.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy87542l14ro

Song released for Autism Acceptance Week – April 2024

To mark world autism acceptance week Cornwall Partnership NHS trust have released a song on Spotify to promote autism acceptance. All money raised from the song ‘Welcome Home’ will go towards The Hugs Foundation.

Click here to view their press release:

Click here to view their press release

Click here to listen to their song on Spotify:

Click here to listen to the song on spotify

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