Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: July 15, 2025

Purpose: To approve the draft all-age, integrated Autism Strategy and approval for consultation.

Content: RESOLVED that   i.       the draft All-Age Integrated Autism Strategy 2025-2030 be approved as the basis of public consultation over a period of 12 weeks.   ii.     the public consultation approach including questionnaire and communication plan is agreed in consultation with Cllr Bailey and Cllr Wright.   iii.    the Cabinet receives a revised draft of the strategy following consideration of consultation feedback.

Reasons for the decision: i.       The All-Age Integrated Autism Strategy will support the Council in meeting their statutory responsibilities to autistic children, young people and adults as determined under the Autism Act 2009, Care Act 2014 and Children and Families Act 2014.   ii.     The strategy will support the pillars of the Frimley Integrated Care Board (ICB) Neurodivergence partnership plan, including: Neurodiverse people are less disadvantaged in terms of home, education training and employment setting, health and wellbeing, compared to their peers   iii.    The strategy will support the council in achieving key priorities as determined in the Council Plan.   iv.    The strategy will further support several Bracknell Forest joint priority areas as outlined in the Health and Care Plan 2025-2026.   v.     Public consultation of the co-produced strategy will ensure residents of Bracknell Forest have an opportunity to understand the proposed partnership approach to supporting autistic children, young people, adults, parent / carers and the associated priorities. Residents will be able to provide feedback which will be taken into consideration when drafting the final strategy for publication.   vi.    A robust integrated communication plan for public consultation across the partnership will ensure all residents have the opportunity to review the draft strategy and complete the survey.

Alternative options considered: The Autism Act 2009 introduced a requirement for local authorities to have an adult autism strategy. This has since been broadened to include children. The National Strategy for Autistic Children, Young People and Adults 2021-2026 recognises and focuses on autism in children and young people as well as adults. For this reason, no other alternatives were considered other than the development of this strategy.