‘Autism Plus’ policies
In 2020 the Cerebra Legal Entitlements and Problem-solving (LEaP) programme together with the Disability Law Service published research ( generally referred to as the ‘Autism Plus Report‘) which highlighted the fact that many Children’s Services Authorities in England had policies that unlawfully discriminated against disabled children with autism. Policies that denied disabled children with autism the right to have their disability related needs assessed (and the possibility of accessing disability specific support) unless they satisfied additional criteria – such as having their autism formally diagnosed and / or that they had severe learning disabilities and / or seriously challenging behaviour.
Over the last 12 months Sir Ed Davey MP on behalf of the Disability Law Service has contacted those authorities identified as having policies of this kind with a view to getting them amended. A number of authorities have agreed to make changes but some have not. A report will shortly be published naming the authorities that have failed to make appropriate changes. The report will also be shared with the Equality and Human Rights Commission as it has requested that this be done.
The Disability Law Service is interested in identifying families who have been adversely affected by ‘Autism Plus’ policies of this kind. If you, or someone you know, has had such an experience, could you possibly consider completing the survey developed by the Disability Law Service – which can be accessed by clicking here.
Posted 29 October 2021