All-Age Autism Strategy Consultation

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is developing a new All‑Age Autism Strategy. This strategy sets out how the council and its partners will work together to improve inclusion, understanding, and support for autistic people of all ages, as well as their families and carers. We want to hear from you to ensure that the strategy reflects real experiences, focuses on the right priorities, and leads to improvements that genuinely make a difference locally.

Read our draft strategy here.
Read the Easy Read version of our draft strategy here.

Submit your answers either through the RBWM Together platform below, or by downloading the pdf. on the side of the page and sending your response in via post or email.

📘 What is the All‑Age Autism Strategy?

The draft strategy sets out a shared vision for how RBWM can become a more neuro-inclusive borough, where autistic people:

• 🧠 feel understood and included
• ℹ️ can access the right information and support
• 🌱 are supported to live fulfilling lives at every stage of life

The strategy covers the whole lifespan, with transitions as a cross-cutting theme throughout, and focuses on six priority areas:

• 🎓 Education and lifelong learning
• 💼 Employment and skills
• ❤️ Health and wellbeing
• 🏠 Independent living and housing
• 🌍 Community inclusion and safety
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Support for families and carers

You can read the draft strategy, a summary, and background documents using the links on the side of this page.

💬 Why we are asking for your feedback

Although the draft strategy has been informed by early engagement with autistic people, families, carers, and local partners, we know this is not the whole picture. This consultation is your opportunity to:

• ✅ Tell us what feels right and what could be improved
• 🔍 Highlight gaps or issues we may have missed
• 🧩 Share what has helped or hindered you when using services
• 📌 Suggest what should be prioritised going forward

👥 Who can take part

We welcome feedback from:

• 👧🧑 Autistic young people aged 16 and above, and adults
• 👪 Parents, carers, and family members
• 🏫 Professionals working in education, health, social care, housing, employment, or community services
• 🤝 Employers, voluntary and community organisations
• 🌟 Anyone with an interest in improving autism inclusion in the borough

You do not need to answer every question, and you can skip any that are not relevant to you.

♿ Accessibility and different ways to take part

We recognise that people communicate in different ways. This consultation offers choice and flexibility, including:

• 📄 Plain‑language questions
• 📘 An Easy Read version
• ✍️ The option to provide written comments
• 🤝 Support to take part in alternative ways where needed

Both Easy Read and standard versions of the consultation can be completed directly through the platform, or by downloading the PDF from the side tab and returning it by email or post to the address provided below.

If the survey is not accessible for you, or if you would prefer to share feedback through conversation, please contact:

📧 Email: AutismStrategy@rbwm.gov.uk

If you need help to access the online form or to request a paper copy, you can ask for assistance at any borough library.

📬 Paper copies of the survey can be returned to:
Yasmeen Hussein, Policy Officer
Town Hall
St Ives Road
Maidenhead
SL6 1RF

📝 What will happen next

You can share your views by completing the online survey below. All feedback received will be carefully reviewed and used to help refine the final Autism Strategy. A summary of consultation feedback will be published, and the final strategy will be considered by the Council later this year.

Please note that no decisions have been made at this stage. The purpose of this consultation is to gather feedback to inform future decision-making. Thank you for taking the time to share your views - your feedback will help shape autism support and inclusion across RBWM.

📅 This consultation will remain open until 11.59pm on Monday 13 July.