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Resources > Professional Bodies and Institutions
Department of Health and Social Care (UK)
Government department for health and social care policy
Source: Department of Health and Social Care
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is the government department responsible for setting national policy for health and adult social care services in England. For autism, the DHSC plays a foundational role by developing and overseeing key legislation and national strategies, such as the Autism Act 2009 and the subsequent national autism strategies (most recently, 'The National Autism Strategy: Progress Report 2021-2022' and 'The National Strategy for Autistic Children, Young People and Adults 2021-2026'). These documents outline the government's priorities for improving the lives of autistic people, covering areas like diagnosis, health services, employment, and social care. The DHSC works closely with NHS England and local authorities to ensure these policies are implemented. While they do not provide direct services, their policy decisions significantly influence the funding, commissioning, and delivery of all health and social care services for autistic individuals, aiming to create a more inclusive and supportive society where autistic people can thrive.
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This is Peter Clark. We're out there every day helping autistic people live happier, more fulfilling lives. We don't charge for what we do but, if you'd like to help us make lives better, we're very grateful for even the smallest of donations - but it's entirely your choice!
