Norfolk's Health and Wellbeing Board has agreed to continue backing the county's Autism Strategy, approving a second year of action that builds on progress made since the strategy launched in June 2024.

Year One delivered a range of changes, including expanded autism training, new resources for children and young people, a crisis-focused intensive support pilot, and the rollout of adult autism coaching. Autism support sessions have now been established in 32 libraries across Norfolk, though attendance varies by location. The board heard that at least one group had already changed its meeting day following feedback from autistic people and carers — a sign, officers said, of the flexibility built into the programme.

Year Two (August 2025–July 2026) will extend specialist training, improve inclusion in youth and leisure services, and support autistic people into employment through the Connect to Work programme. The autism intensive support service will also be expanded.

For those who need help with travel, the Titan Travel Training Programme is working with children's services and schools to identify young people who may benefit from autism-friendly transport support. Journey-planning tools and communication cards are available through the Norfolk Autism Partnership Board website.

Research into neurodiversity in the criminal justice system is also underway, and a celebration event — 'Now That's What I Call Autism' — has been scheduled at The Forum in Norwich on 23 April 2026.

A board member raised questions about whether areas with above-average autism diagnosis rates, such as Mile Cross and Lakenham in Norwich, would receive targeted resources. Officers said diagnosis services operated on a countywide basis and that the focus was on ensuring equal access across the whole system. Residents seeking a diagnosis should speak with their GP or through their school.

The board acknowledged that, as the strategy is only one year old, early feedback from service users is limited, but committed to gathering more detailed evidence of impact in future years. A 'You Said, We Did' update for Year Two will be produced, followed by development of a Year Three plan.