Changing lives: A report on the autism voluntary sector

By Sarah Hedley and Adrian Fradd

NPC published a paper on the autism sector in 2007, A life less ordinary, since when considerable developments have occurred. Changes in policy, most notably 2009's Autism Act and the adult autism strategy, have won the attention of government departments and helped raise awareness of the condition more widely. Changes in funding mean that autism charities, like many others, are feeling the squeeze as local government commissioners attempt to cut costs and reduce fees charged to deliver services. Nearly half the charities NPC surveyed for this report expected some decrease in their fee income as a result of government spending cuts. There have also been significant changes within the sector itself. People with autism are increasingly involved with developing policy and services around their condition. The development and use of research is being encouraged, and autism charities have forged closer relationships and working partnerships. This report examines these developments and discusses their implications for the autism sector. It sets out five priorities for charities and funders to think about: helping charities to adapt to a changing environment by funding core costs; maintaining lobbying work; networking and sharing good practice; developing pilot projects to fit with new government priorities; and maintaining non-statutory services.

London: New Philanthropy Capital. December 2010. 32pp. Free to download here