Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what his Department's expected timescale is for updating its statutory guidance on autism; and how he will ensure that people with autism are consulted.

The Department is committed to ensuring autistic people are involved in the formation of policy and decision-making processes. This year, we are working on updating the Statutory Guidance on Autism to support the National Health Service and local authorities to deliver improved outcomes for autistic people.

There will be a public consultation on the draft guidance in due course, which will give autistic people, their families, and carers the opportunity to give their views. We expect to publish the updated Statutory Guidance in 2024.