Context and purpose

Autism-friendly can mean lots of different things to different people so we have held workshops inviting autistic people, their families and professionals that work with autistic people to share ideas for how Waltham Forest can be more autism-friendly

We have decided to create a set of standards that, if followed, will help various organisations such as businesses, public places and facilities, schools and GPs to become more autism-friendly. 

These may include recommendations to make some changes to physical environments, improve staff training and awareness and introduce better communication practice. We want to have a unique Waltham Forest brand where places that follow the standards show that they are committed to being autism-friendly. 

Autism friendly 

Generally, making social, communicative, environmental and sensory adjustments can help autistic people feel welcome and accommodated for. For example, reducing noise, using clear language and offering visual guides in advance of visits can all be considered autism-friendly. In a school setting, this could mean encouraging children to think about what's around them (such as lights, colour, noise, smells and so forth) and how they behave and communicate for example, are they friendly, patient and open. 

Training staff

Providing employment opportunities and accessible support to staff, are also autism-friendly actions. If you would like your school to participate in autism training and be supported to support autistic students, please get in touch with SEND Success at enquiries@sendsuccess.org.uk

The Lesson Plan 

The lesson plan provided has been developed by the Autism Education Trust (AET) as a resource for teachers to raise awareness in schools. The plans are flexible, with different sections and timings available. The focus of the lesson should be raising awareness of what autism is, acceptance that everyone is different and building an understanding of being friendly, and especially autism-friendly. 

Further Information 

For general further information please email Strategic Commissioning Strategic.Commissioning@walthamforest.gov.uk