Adult autism advocacy in the UK: a policy review

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Watts, G. (2017). Adult autism advocacy in the UK: a policy review. Tizard Learning Disability Review, 22(4), 185-192. https://doi.org/10.1108/tldr-10-2016-0029

Publication date: 8 Aug 2017 Added to AutiHub: 7 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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Authors

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1
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 1 (100.0%)
  1. Georgina Watts *

Abstract

Purpose The need for advocacy for autistic adults is emphasised in many government policy and good practice guidelines. The purpose of this paper is to investigate legislation and policy relevant to advocacy for autistic adults in England and explore whether this translates into practice. It also seeks to clarify which policies can be enforced under current legislation and highlight the gaps in legislative power to ensure implementation of good practice. Design/methodology/approach This paper aims to define what is meant by autism advocacy. Relevant legislation, including human rights, disability and autism-specific guidelines, are discussed in respect to autistic adults in England. Findings Implementation of autism advocacy policy appears to vary greatly according to local and individual resources. Originality/value Autistic adults, and services that support them, may be unaware of the policies and guidelines relevant to advocacy, they may also be confused by the plethora of different guidelines or unsure how to implement these. Further research is needed to review obstacles to the practical application of autism advocacy policy.

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These indicators describe the cited bibliography imported for this publication. Cited-reference metrics use the cited-reference total as denominator. Cited-author metrics state whether they use all cited-author occurrences or only occurrences linked to authors already integrated in the AutiHub database. They use cached links between cited authors and authors integrated in the AutiHub database. Last computed: 16 Aug 2026 11:31.

Cited references
52
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
1 / 52 (1.9%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
1 / 43 (2.3%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 1 / 9 (11.1%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 1 / 42 (2.4%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
9 / 43 (20.9%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 8 / 42 (19.0%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
8 / 9 (88.9%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 8 / 43 (18.6%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 7 / 8 (87.5%).
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