Last call for views on new autism and ADHD support plan
City of York Council is running a consultation
It's the final chance for people living in York to help shape a strategy aimed at supporting autistic people and those with ADHD in the city.
The draft plan, A City That Works for All, unveiled earlier this year by City of York Council in partnership with the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, sets out a five-year vision to make York more inclusive, supportive, and understanding of neurodiversity.
The strategy — developed with input from neurodivergent residents, families, and local organisations — focuses on three key priorities:
Changing Society for Inclusion – tackling stigma and improving public understanding.
Making Diagnosis and Assessment Work – cutting long waits and ensuring timely, effective assessments.
Improving Support in Every Setting – making sure education, employment, housing, and healthcare better meet the needs of neurodivergent people.
A recent 2025 Health Needs Assessment revealed significant gaps in diagnosis, lengthy waiting lists, and high rates of related mental health issues.
Councillor Lucy Steels-Walshaw, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, said:
“It’s absolutely vital that services meet everyone’s needs, including the approximately 1 in 7 neurodiverse people living in our city. Small changes can often make big differences.”
Michael Ash-McMahon, Interim Place Director for York at the ICB, described the draft as “a welcome step towards creating a city that celebrates neurodiversity,” and urged residents to share their views before the final version is published later this year.
You can find the consultation here.