During the financial year, Autism Foundation C.I.C. continued its work to support autistic and disabled children and adults, their families, carers and professionals through education, practical training, resources, advocacy and community support. A significant area of our work has focused on toilet training for autistic and SEND children and adults. Through our specialist toilet-training programme, workshops and the publication Toilet Training for Autistic & SEND Children and Adults, we have provided families and professionals with practical strategies designed to support individuals to develop greater independence with toileting. Our work has reached families both within the UK and internationally. The toilet-training book has now sold more than 1000 copies and has become available internationally through a growing network of booksellers and retailers. Feedback received from families has demonstrated the positive impact that successful toilet training can have on independence, dignity, family life and participation in education and the wider community. The programme also has environmental and economic benefits. Where an individual successfully transitions away from nappies, this can substantially reduce the number of disposable nappies used, helping families reduce ongoing costs while also reducing disposable waste. Autism Foundation C.I.C. has also delivered autism awareness, understanding autism, behavioural support and Positive Behaviour Support training. Hundreds of parents, carers and professionals have participated in our training and educational activities, helping them to better understand autism and respond more effectively to the needs of autistic and disabled people. Alongside our existing programmes, Autism Foundation C.I.C. has continued developing its longer-term plans to establish specialist respite and residential care facilities for autistic and disabled people with complex needs. Our vision is to develop environments specifically designed around sensory, communication, behavioural, safety and accessibility needs, while promoting dignity, independence and quality of life. We have also continued to build relationships with families, professionals, community organisations, schools, health services and other stakeholders to increase awareness of autism and disability and identify areas where additional support is required. Through these activities, Autism Foundation C.I.C. has continued to pursue its community purpose of improving outcomes for autistic and disabled people and supporting the families, carers and professionals around them.

Autism Foundation C.I.C.’s stakeholders include autistic and disabled people, parents, family members, carers, professionals, schools, community organisations and other organisations supporting people with additional needs. We maintain regular communication with parents, carers and professionals who access our training, workshops, resources and support. Feedback is obtained through direct conversations, participant feedback, reviews, testimonials, enquiries and ongoing communication with families and professionals. Feedback from families has helped inform the development and delivery of our toilet-training programme and other educational activities. In particular, families have highlighted the importance of practical, accessible strategies that can be adapted to the individual needs of autistic and disabled people. We have also engaged with professionals and community organisations to understand gaps in existing provision and the challenges experienced by autistic and disabled people and their families. Feedback and lived experience have also informed our longer-term plans for specialist respite and residential care. These plans recognise the need for appropriately designed environments, suitable staffing and individualised support for people with complex needs. Autism Foundation C.I.C. will continue to consult its stakeholders as its services develop and will use this feedback to help shape future programmes and services.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration