Hounslow Council is set to establish an Autism Board by October 2025 to better serve the needs of autistic residents and their families. Board meetings will be held every three months thereafter. This decision follows discussions at a recent Hounslow Health and Wellbeing Board meeting.

The move comes as part of the All Age Autism Strategic Plan 2025-2030, co-produced by Autism Hounslow and Hounslow Council. The plan aims to ensure autistic individuals in Hounslow are equal members of their community and receive timely, appropriate support. The strategic plan will be co-produced and executed with the Autism Board from June onwards.

Diagram illustrating the autistic spectrum disorder and related conditions.
Autistic Spectrum Disorder Diagram

According to the meeting agenda, the All-Age Autism Strategic Plan will have measurable targets for each area, including:

  • Specific training programmes, public awareness campaigns, and education initiatives.
  • Strategies for supporting autistic individuals in the workplace.
  • Identifying the gap in suitable housing for autistic people.
  • Addressing the critical transition period from childhood to adulthood.
  • Identifying key areas of focus for autistic children and adults to reduce health inequalities.
  • Increasing community-based alternatives to hospital detention and reduce crisis from happening.
  • Inclusion of feedback mechanisms from the autistic community.
  • Regular reviews and opportunities for autistic individuals to provide input to ensure the plan remains responsive to their evolving needs.
  • Consideration of the diverse needs within the autistic community.

The All-Age Autism Strategic Plan is scheduled to be signed off by the Wellbeing Board and Cabinet by March 2026.

It will utilise existing community resources and partnerships with agencies like the voluntary sector, education, and West London NHS Trust.

The need for a separate Autism Board, rather than being part of the Learning Disability board, was one of the key views expressed by autistic people in Hounslow, according to the meeting's report pack. Autistic people in Hounslow want to have a separate Autism Board, rather than being part of the Learning Disability board.

The Hounslow Health and Wellbeing Board met on Monday 14 July 2025, at Hounslow House. The agenda included discussions on Healthwatch Hounslow's annual report, Health and Wellbeing Strategy progress, the Better Care Fund update, Autism and Carers plans, and the Vision 2050 project.