# What does England's autism strategy mean for children's services?

> What the 2021 to 2026 strategy covered, its priorities for children, and what's expected next.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/england-autism-strategy
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** England's 'National strategy for autistic children, young people and adults: 2021 to 2026' was the first national autism strategy to cover children and young people as well as adults. Its priorities included improving understanding of autism, better access to education, faster diagnosis and support, and better health and care. It ran until 2026, and the government committed to a new strategy.

**Key takeaways**
- The **2021 to 2026** strategy was the first to cover **children and young people**.
- Priorities included **understanding, education, diagnosis** and **health and care**.
- It **ran until 2026**; a **new strategy** was promised.
- The **SEND reforms** are a separate but related process.

## What did the 2021 to 2026 strategy cover?

The strategy set out six priority areas, including improving understanding and acceptance of autism, improving autistic children and young people's access to education and supporting positive transitions, and tackling health and care inequalities, including through faster diagnosis.[1]

## What did it mean for children's services?

- Earlier identification and **reducing diagnosis waits**
- Better **autism understanding among school staff**
- Support for **transitions** into adulthood
- Better **health and care** for autistic children

NICE guidance continues to set expectations for diagnostic assessment, including starting within 3 months of referral.[2]

## What happens next?

The strategy ran until 2026 and the government committed to a new strategy. Check GOV.UK for the latest.

**Education reforms.** Changes to SEND support are happening through the Schools White Paper. See [What do the 2026 SEND reforms
  mean?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/send-reforms-2026)

**What families can do now.** Whatever the national picture, a visual timetable and clear routines can make daily life easier at home and school.

Free printable: [Free printable: starter pack](https://theautismkit.com/printables/starter-pack.pdf)

## What can I do next?

- [ ] Check GOV.UK for the latest autism strategy
- [ ] Find your council's Local Offer
- [ ] Join a local parent carer forum

## Common questions

### Is there a new autism strategy?

The 2021 to 2026 strategy has ended, and the government committed to a new one. Check GOV.UK for the latest publication.

### Does the strategy apply to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

It covers England. The other nations have their own autism strategies and plans.

### How does it relate to the SEND reforms?

They're separate, but related. The SEND reforms focus on education support; the autism strategy covers education, health, care, work and justice.

## Sources

1. GOV.UK: National strategy for autistic children, young people and adults, 2021 to 2026. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-strategy-for-autistic-children-young-people-and-adults-2021-to-2026
2. NICE: Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s (CG128). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg128

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.