Key documents: Human Rights Act, Special Education Needs and Disability Act, Equality Act, and the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Characteristics: Policy adopted on the United Kingdom level affects all its constituent countries. As such, it is often more generic.
Overview
References
[1] Government of the United Kingdom. Human Rights Act. 1998. Available from: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/42/contents
[2] Government of the United Kingdom. Special Educational Needs and Disability Act. 2001. Available from: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2001/10/contents
[3] Government of the United Kingdom. Equality Act. 2010. Available from: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents
[4] Government of the United Kingdom. Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage. 2014. Available from: https://info.lse.ac.uk/staff/services/nursery/Assets/Documents/EYFS-Framework-Sept-2014.pdf
Key documents: Autism Act (England and Wales), Children and Families Act, Think Autism, Statutory Guidance, and the Statutory Guidance – Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years.
Characteristics: Initially, only the rights for adults with autism were taken into account. This was later rectified, as it became clear that childhood is a key timeframe in helping children with autism develop as well as possible. It created an environment where health, education, and social care became key pillars on which autism policy was built. Subsequent policy was heavily focused on the education settings in which children with autism grew up, as well as how these children could effectively transition between settings where needed. Ultimately, this lead to an education system where children with autism are required to have access to education and training that is equal in quality compared to other children.
Overview
References
[1] English Government, Welsh Government. Autism Act. 2009. Available from: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2009/15/contents
[2] English Government. Children and Families Act. 2014. Available from: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/contents
[3] English Government. Think Autism. 2014. Available from: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/299866/Autism_Strategy.pdf
[4] English Department of Health. Statutory guidance for Local Authorities and NHS organisations to support implementation of the Adult Autism Strategy. 2015. Available from: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence
[5] English Department for Education, English Department of Health. Statutory Guidance - Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years. 2015. Available from: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/398815/SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf
Key documents: Autism Act (England and Wales), Autism Spectrum Disorder Action Plan for Wales, and Together Mental Health.
Characteristics: So far, the rights of adults with autism have been established in Wales. However, the rights of children with autism specifically have not been specifically formulated. This remains to hold true after the importance of proper education and the impact that has on the development of children with autism was acknowledged. Nevertheless, curricula have been adapted to account for the special needs of children with autism.
Overview
References
[1] Welsh Assembly Government. The Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Strategic Action Plan for Wales [Internet]. 2009. Available from: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/documents/ASD-strategy.pdf
[2] Welsh Government. Together for Mental Health. A Strategy for Mental Health and Wellbeing in Wales [Internet]. 2012. Available from: https://gweddill.gov.wales/docs/dhss/publications/121031tmhfinalen.pdf
Key documents: Standards in Scotland’s Schools Act, Education (Additional Support for Learning) Act, and the Scottish Strategy for Autism.
Characteristics: Scottish autism policy may not be elaborate, yet it touched upon very key elements. It acknowledges the importance of developing children with autism through education and meeting their needs in educational settings. Also, it is alongside England, the only country that identifies transition periods as impactful for people with autism.
Overview
References
[1] Scottish Government. Standards in Scotland’s Schools Act. 2000. Available from: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2000/6/pdfs/asp_20000006_en.pdf
[2] Scottish Government. Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act. 2004. Available from: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2004/4/contents
[3] Scottish Government. The Scottish Strategy for Autism. 2011. Available from: https://education.gov.scot/improvement/documents/inc49thescottishstrategyforautism.pdf
Key documents: Special Education Needs and Disability Order, Autism Spectrum Disorder Strategic Action Plan, Autism Act (Northern Ireland), and the Autism Strategy (2013-2020) Action Plan (2013-2016).
Characteristics: With the implementation of the first autism policy in Northern-Ireland, education has been recognised as an important factor to focus on. Subsequent policy become a lot more elaborate, covering areas such as health and social needs as well. It created a structured environment where children with autism are being prepared for their future lives. It also addresses the importance of early diagnosis and makes efforts to adopt good practices for that.
Overview
References
[1] Northern-Irish Government. Special Educational Needs and Disability (Northern Ireland) Order. 2005. Available from: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/2005/1117/contents
[2] Northern-Irish Government. ASD Strategic Action Plan 2009-2011. 2009. Available from: http://www.hscboard.hscni.net/download/PUBLICATIONS/AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDER/DHSSPS ASD Strategic Action Plan June 2009 - PDF 373KB.pdf
[3] Northern-Irish Government. Autism Act (Northern Ireland). 2011. Available from: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nia/2011/27/contents
[4] Northern-Irish Government. The Autism Strategy (2013-2020) and Action Plan (2013-2016). 2013. Available from: http://publichealthwell.ie/sites/default/files/documents/10.14655_799178_799332.pdf