I am writing to share an extended statement on ongoing systemic violations in the UK of the rights of autistic people, particularly in relation to healthcare, education, employment, welfare, housing, and freedom from institutional detention. I also address specific challenges faced by autistic people in Cymru.
I provide some historical context, drawing parallels with the horrific legacy of the Aktion T4 programme, to highlight the seriousness of these issues. Moreover, I discuss how all these violations breach both national and international laws, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Healthcare: denial of the right to health
Autistic people in the UK face substantial obstacles in accessing healthcare services that address our unique needs. The National Autistic Society reported in 2023 on the widespread failure of healthcare providers to understand and support autistic patients, leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
In Cymru, delays in mental health service provision and a lack of autism-trained professionals compound the issue. These barriers breach Article 25 of the UNCRPD, which establishes the right to the highest attainable standard of health without discrimination.
Education: failing to meet the needs of autistic pupils
The education system in the UK continues to fail autistic children, leading to exclusion and emotional distress. A 2022 BBC investigation revealed that many autistic children are placed in ill-suited environments, contributing to behavioural problems and higher rates of exclusion.
In Cymru the situation is worsened by a shortage of teachers with the necessary autism training. These systemic failures violate Article 24 of the UNCRPD on inclusive education.
Employment: persistent discrimination in the workplace
Autistic people face a significantly lower employment rate, with only 29% employed compared to 53% of disabled people in general. In Cymru, while some employers have introduced autism awareness training, the overall employment rate for autistic people remains critically low, and recruitment processes still present major barriers.
This discrimination violates Article 27 of the UNCRPD, which protects the right to work on an equal basis.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP): a failing welfare system
The PIP assessment process does not account for the complex needs of autistic individuals, often resulting in the denial of support or the allocation of inadequate funding. Many individuals have tragically lost their lives as a result.
In Cymru, lack of autism awareness among assessors compounds the problem, leading to financial hardship and social isolation. These failures violate Article 28 of the UNCRPD, regarding an adequate standard of living for disabled individuals. The proposed changes to PIP proposed by the UK Government will further compound those breaches.
Housing: barriers to independent living
Access to suitable housing remains a major barrier for autistic people in the UK, particularly in Cymru. Many face discrimination in the housing market, and those who do secure accommodation often find it unsuitable for their needs.
This situation violates both Article 28 (right to an adequate standard of living) and Article 19 (right to live independently and be included in the community) of the UNCRPD.
Detention in mental health hospitals: breaches of liberty and dignity
Many autistic people continue to be detained in mental health facilities despite not requiring psychiatric care. There’s growing concern about lack of appropriate community-based services leading to increased reliance on institutional detention.
This practice violates Articles 14 and 19 of the UNCRPD, as well as Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which safeguard liberty and security.
Historical context: Aktion T4 and the dehumanisation of autistic people
The actions of the Nazi regime during Aktion T4, which resulted in the murder of thousands of disabled people including autistic people, serves as a chilling reminder of the dehumanisation they have faced throughout history. While the UK is not of course carrying out a programme like Aktion T4, the systemic neglect of autistic people – through inadequate healthcare, institutionalisation, and welfare cuts – reflects the dangerous dehumanisation and normalisation of neglect that has historically led to human rights abuses.
During a visit to the memorial to the victims of National Socialist ‘euthanasia’ killings in Berlin, I was reminded of those dangers. We must ensure that such atrocities are never repeated. People who assert they could never be have failed to learn the lessons of history.
Recent developments
On 16 January 2025, the High Court ruled that the Department of Work and Pension (DWP) consultation 2010–2024 was unlawful. Despite this, the current Labour Government continues to pursue harmful policies, including austerity measures that disproportionately affect disabled individuals.
Alarmingly, recent developments indicate that there will be few safeguards in the Assisted Dying Bill, a deeply concerning move that threatens the safety and dignity of vulnerable individuals. Moreover, the UK Government plans further welfare cuts, despite UN condemnation and the High Court ruling regarding the DWP.
These systemic failures reflect a humanitarian crisis. Urgent action is required to protect the rights and dignity of autistic individuals in the UK. We must work together to shed light on these issues and advocate for the changes needed to ensure that autistic people can live full and equitable lives.
Urgent action needed
Ongoing violations of the rights of autistic people in the UK breach both national and international laws, including:
- UNCRPD: Articles 19, 24, 25, 27, 28
- Equality Act 2010: prohibits discrimination on the grounds of disability
- European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) Articles 3 and 5
These violations require immediate attention. The UK Government has an obligation to ensure that autistic people can access their rights and freedoms on an equal basis. This requires reforms in healthcare, education, employment, welfare, and housing.
Only through concerted advocacy and systemic change can we begin to address the avoidable suffering and discrimination faced by autistic people. We must, as a matter of urgency, change the current direction of travel.
