Autism
Councils are developing new strategies and services to support autistic residents, while investigating inequalities in provision.
Islington Council approved its All-Age Autism Strategy in October 2026, aiming to improve lives for autistic residents across all age groups. In September 2026, Tower Hamlets Council began investigating the disproportionately high number of Education, Health and Care Plans issued to Bangladeshi children. Hackney Council approved a new housing support service in July 2026, which includes enhanced support for neurodiverse individuals, while Kingston Council discussed Mental Health Act 2025 reforms to prevent inappropriate detention of autistic people.
The Redbridge Schools Forum was scheduled in October 2026 to review data on the demand for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision. Earlier in March 2026, a Lewisham report highlighted significant health inequalities faced by autistic residents, including long waiting times for diagnosis and lack of post-diagnostic support. Southwark Council planned a training programme for parents of autistic children in October 2025.
Key facts
- Islington Council's Executive committee approved the All-Age Autism Strategy on 22 October 2026. Source
- Tower Hamlets Council is investigating why 45.6% of children with EHCPs are from a Bangladeshi background, discussed in September 2026. Source
- Hackney Council approved a new floating housing support service valued at up to £1,932,000 in July 2026. Source
- Kingston Council discussed reforms to the Mental Health Act 2025 in July 2026, aiming to prevent inappropriate detention of autistic individuals. Source
- A Lewisham report in March 2026 highlighted health inequalities for autistic residents, including long waiting times for diagnosis. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 23 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.