What is Autism Informed Care?
Autism-informed care is an approach that recognises autism as lifelong differences in communication, social understanding, behaviour and sensory processing. The understanding of autism has shifted significantly, and with it, the way autistic services are delivered to autistic people.
Autism-informed care combines person-centred planning, reasonable adjustments, sensory-aware environments, clear communication, workforce training and co-production with autistic people and their family members. It adapts services so that autistic people can access care safely and with dignity.
Why Services Must Be Autism-Informed?
The foundation for autism-informed care in the UK is built upon a robust network of legislation, statutory guidance, and national policy that recognises the rights, needs, and voices of autistic people. Together, these frameworks ensure that health and social care services across the UK provide support that is person-centred, inclusive, and based on equality.
Collectively, the following laws, policies and standards make autism-informed care a legal and moral obligation:
- CQC regulation & ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ – regulators expect person-centred, rights-based care and reasonable adjustments for autistic people and those with learning disabilities.
- The Autism Act 2009* & statutory guidance (England) requires a national strategy and statutory guidance for local authorities and the NHS to meet adults’ autism-related needs (identification, assessment, services).
- The National Autism Strategy (All-age) 2021–2026* sets cross-government priorities (diagnosis pathways, access to services, employment, and reducing inequalities).
- Equality Act 2010* / Reasonable adjustments. Health and social care services must make reasonable adjustments so disabled people (including autistic people) are not substantially disadvantaged. The NHS Reasonable Adjustment Flag is being rolled out to support this.
- NICE guidelines (children & adults) – evidence-based recommendations on recognition, diagnosis, management and support, used to shape clinical and service practice.
*The overviews of these Acts are available on our Resource page.
The Core Principles of Autism Informed Practice
Autism-informed care starts with the person. Its core principles integrate human rights, neurodiversity-affirming practice, and person-centred care to create safe and accessible environments where autistic people can live more peacefully and lead joyful lives.
Person-Centricity
Autism-informed care begins with seeing the autistic person as the leading voice and the primary decision-maker in their own care and experiences. Care and support are co-created with the individual, reflecting their strengths, preferences, goals, and sensory and communication needs.
Practice examples:
- Involving the autistic person in every care decision, using accessible formats and time for reflection.
- Supporting self-advocacy
- Using person-centred planning tools (e.g., one-page profiles, communication passports).
Why it matters:
It aligns with:
- The Care Act 2014 (promoting well-being and individual choice)
- The Autism Act 2009 (ensuring support services meet individual needs)
- The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (respecting decision-making and autonomy).
Neurodiversity-Affirming
This principle recognises autism as a natural variation of human neurology rather than a disorder to be cured. It shifts the focus from “normalisation” to acceptance, empowerment, and support for well-being.
Practice examples:
- Using identity-first language when preferred (e.g., “autistic person” rather than “person with autism”).
- Avoiding interventions that aim to “mask” or suppress autistic traits.
- Celebrating autistic strengths, such as attention to detail, creativity, or integrity.
Why it matters:
- It reflects the social model of disability, embedded in the Equality Act 2010.
- It is supported by the National Autism Strategy (2021-2026), which highlights inclusion and acceptance in society.
- Reduces stigma and supports positive identity formation.
Communication
Communication is adapted to the individual, not the other way around. All forms of expression-verbal, non-verbal, written, or assisted- are respected equally.
Practice examples:
- Allowing extra processing time and avoiding interruptions.
- Using visual aids, social stories, or assistive technology.
- Avoiding idioms, sarcasm, or ambiguous expressions.
- Asking the person how they prefer to communicate.
Why it matters:
- Embedded in NICE guidance (CG142 & CG128).
- Reinforces Article 8 of the Human Rights Act 1998 (respect for dignity and private life).
- A key part of the Core Capabilities Framework for Supporting Autistic People.
Accessible and Accommodating Environments
Autism-informed care prioritises sensory and environmental accessibility. Physical and social environments are adapted to reduce distress and promote comfort.
Practice examples:
- Adjusting lighting, noise, or seating to suit sensory preferences.
- Offering quiet waiting areas in healthcare settings.
- Using clear visual cues and signage.
Why it matters:
- Required under the Equality Act 2010 (“reasonable adjustments”).
- Supported by the NHS Reasonable Adjustment Flag initiative.
- Reinforced by CQC’s “Right Support, Right Care, Right Culture” regulatory framework.
Predictability and Structure
Predictability provides emotional safety and cognitive clarity. Structured routines help reduce uncertainty and prevent anxiety.
Practice examples:
- Offering clear visual schedules and advance notice of changes.
- Explaining processes step-by-step.
- Avoiding last-minute changes to plans unless absolutely necessary.
Why it matters:
- Supported by TEACCH and NICE recommendations on structured environments.
- Consistent with the SPELL framework (Structure and Low Arousal).
Autism Informed Care and Person-Centred Planning
As structured ways to support autistic people, both are deeply intertwined. They recognise that understanding the person is the foundation of compassionate and responsive care. Person-centred planning provides the practical structure for putting the principles of autism-informed care into practice. It involves co-producing care plans with autistic people, their families, and support networks, identifying what is important to the person (values, routines, and aspirations) and what is important for the person (their health, safety, and support needs).
When autism-informed principles guide person-centred planning, it ensures that:
- Communication methods are adapted to each person’s preferences.
- Plans respect sensory needs and reduce stress triggers.
- Goals are meaningful and achievable for that individual, not based on societal expectations.
- Family, carers, and professionals work collaboratively, listening rather than directing.
- The person’s identity as an autistic person is acknowledged and celebrated.
Benefits of Autism Informed Care
Providing care attuned to the lived experience of autistic people delivers tangible improvements in access and outcomes. For example, a systematic review of interventions to improve healthcare experiences for autistic people found that when services adapted sensory environments, communication approaches and staff knowledge, the barriers to access reduced significantly.
Shifting the focus from reactive, crisis‑driven interventions to proactive, inclusive designs, services can achieve better outcomes and reduce long‑term costs, including:
- Reduced behaviours of concern and restrictive practices
- Enhanced emotional well-being, daily functioning, and life satisfaction
- Fewer incidents of restraint, seclusion, and crisis intervention
- Enhanced communication and trust
- Real control over decision-making
- Strengthened relationships between supported people, families and professionals
- Reduced health inequalities
Autism Informed Care vs. Autism Awareness: The Key Difference
At first glance, autism-informed care and autism awareness may appear similar but fundamentally different. The key difference: Awareness is recognising autism, while autism-informed care is learning how to act, adapt, and support in ways that genuinely improve outcomes and quality of life.
Now, let’s broaden the perspective:
Autism Awareness includes general training, media campaigns, education about the signs of autism, and simply having basic knowledge about autism. On the other hand, autism-informed care goes beyond awareness, and it is a practical, person-centred approach that shapes how services are designed and delivered. Autism-informed care focuses on understanding the lived experience of autistic individuals, adapting environments, communication, and routines to meet their needs, and promoting autonomy, dignity, and well-being.
Autism Informed Care with Leaf Complex Care
Choosing Leaf Complex Care means choosing more than support. It means choosing confidence, respect and real progress. With our Autism Accreditation, we stand by the principle that each autistic person deserves a life of choice, fulfilment and dignity. When you partner with us, you’re not opting for standard care, but you’re choosing tailored, compassionate and purpose‑built support for thriving.
At Leaf Complex Care, we are proud to be Autism Accredited in Somerset and the Midlands, having achieved the Autism Accreditation Specialist Certificate. This recognition reflects our commitment to delivering autism-informed, person-centred support prioritising individual strengths, needs, and wellbeing. Our approach ensures that every person we support is heard, understood, and empowered to make choices about their life and care.
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