Young Autistic People Speak Out

Young people living on the autistic spectrum got together in London earlier this year to share their thoughts, and call for action to improve support and change things for the better for young people like them.

 
Around 20 young people discussed their challenges, and the reaction of their peers, families and professionals in five areas of life; school, work, healthcare, the media and home. They also defined a set of proposals to improve the future for other young people.

A selected group of the young people then formed a panel for a ‘Question Time’ style debate in the afternoon, co-hosted by Fixer Alex Lowery, who has autism himself, and model and TV presenter Amy Willerton, whose brother has autism. The young people answered questions from an invited audience of around 80 professionals and stake-holders.

Following the event, the young people’s thoughts and ideas have been compiled in to a ‘manifesto’ for change  - a report for government and other decision-makers.