We want to make Camden a better borough for autistic people across all ages and for their families, friends, carers, and support networks. To achieve that, we are in the process of coproducing an autism plan.

It is important that we hear from those who draw on services, those who deliver services, community groups and residents who may experience barriers in accessing services so that we can ensure we have a plan in place that works best for our residents.

We need to all work together and commit to meaningfully coproducing Camden’s autism plan.

This is not just a Council  plan. It is an all-age plan focused on wellbeing, physical, emotional and mental health, social care, education, employment, housing, criminal justice, benefit and welfare support, community connectedness and much more.

Meaningful coproduction, creating safe spaces to build equal partnerships, a focus on wellbeing and autism-informed and trauma-informed practice must be at the centre of what we do.

There are several advisory and coproduction groups led by lived experience perspectives shaping the Camden autism plan. The coproduction groups are led by what matters most to the autistic adults and parent and carers in those groups. So far these groups are focusing on experiences of:

• Ageing well
• Camden Disability Action Leader’s Change Model and implementation of the Social Model of Disability
• Community connection and leisure activities
• Criminal justice
• Diagnosis and pre and post-diagnostic support
• Drug and alcohol misuse support
• Early help
• Education
• Emotional wellbeing and mental health
• Employment
• Gender equality
• Housing, homelessness, and accommodation
• LGBTQ+ equality
• Physical health
• Race equality
• Relationships, friendships, and intimate lives
• Sensory needs
• Social care
• Transitions and preparing for adulthood
• Welfare and benefit support
• And much more….

To have a wider reach, the Camden Autism Partnership Board are funding the National Autistic Society and their research partner (Clear Outcomes Research) to lead a resident survey that will also inform the plan.