Autism Anglia worked as part of a team of organisations, headed by The National Autistic Society, to bring about legislation that would ensure statutory provision for those with an Autism Spectrum Condition. In November 2009, as a result of our combined and continued effort along with cross-party support in Parliament, the Bill received Royal Assent and became the Autism Act 2009.

The Autism Act 2009 committed the Government to publishing an adult autism strategy to transform services for adults with autism. And this commitment was met on 3rd March 2010 with the publication of the first ever strategy for improving the lives of adults with autism in England.

The strategy set out a number of key actions and recommendations for central Government as well as for local authorities, the NHS and Jobcentre Plus, focusing on five key areas:

• Increasing awareness and understanding of autism
• Developing a clear and consistent pathway for diagnosis
• Improving access to the services and support people need to live independently within the community
• Employment
• Enabling local partners to develop relevant services to meet identified needs and priorities