The council has launched its new Adult Autism Strategy alongside the Autism Partnership Board to coincide with April’s Autism Acceptance Month.
The strategy focuses on improving the lives of autistic adults in Brighton & Hove and their unpaid carers and wider support networks.
It also aims to celebrate the strengths of autistic people and promote neurodiversity while amplifying autistic voices and recognising autistic culture.
The strategy covers topics such as social care, health, interactions with the police and justice systems, supporting healthy and meaningful relationships, and ways in which those with autism can feel truly valued within the city.
Consultations were held to enable autistic people, their carers, family members and people who work closely with autistic people to share their views on local services and how Brighton & Hove can work towards becoming a city that champions neurodiversity.
The Brighton & Hove Adult Autism Strategy was approved by the council’s Health and Wellbeing Board on 7 November 2023.
Councillor Tristram Burden, Chair of Adult Social Care and Public Health Sub-Committee, said: "I’m delighted that we’ve launched Brighton & Hove’s Adult Autism Strategy as part of Autism Acceptance Month.
“The Adult Autism Strategy marks the beginning of a new era for autistic people in Brighton & Hove. The strategy is a leading example of co-production and partnership between local communities, voluntary sector organisations and the council.
“I want to thank those who participated during the consultation process. The responses we received helped us understand what improvements could be made to services across the city to ensure that those with autism can enjoy happy and healthy lives.
“The strategy will give us a solid base to work from now and in the future to better support those with autism, recognise their strengths, and ensure Brighton & Hove continues to celebrate diversity across the city.”
Read the full adult autism strategy and action plan or an easy-read version of the adult autism strategy.
The Autism Partnership Board is a partnership led by autistic people, with the support of organisations including the NHS, the police, the council, and voluntary and community sector organisations that work to improve the lives of autistic people across the city.
