A public consultation has been launched by the Department of Health(DoH) to inform an updated Autism Strategy, expected to be published next spring.

The DoH said that they want to know more about what life is like for autistic people, their families and carers, to get a better idea of what support you receive, and how support could be improved.

Your views and experiences will then help us to develop our work on the 2023-2028 Autism Strategy.

Peter May, Department of Health Permanent Secretary, said: "We recognise that autistic people, their families and carers, can only be supported if they are involved and have an opportunity to influence the work that we do.

"It is important that anyone who has lived experience of autism, cares for or provides support to an autistic person or has an autistic relative, remains central to the discussion about what needs to change or improve.

"Therefore, we invite you to complete this consultation, and make your views known."

The consultation, which runs from 14 December 2022 until 8 March 2023, seeks to obtain views from interested parties on:

• Waiting lists for autism assessments;

• Access to adult autism services;

• Emotional and/or mental health support services;

• Respite services for carers;

• Experiences of managing change;

• Education;

• Careers advice for autistic people;

• Accessing employment;

• Accessing housing;

Further information on the consultation can be found online.