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Resources > Community and Integration
Understanding the Law and Your Rights
Legal information for autistic people
Source: The Autism Alliance UK
The Autism Alliance UK's "Autism and the Law" section provides a comprehensive overview of legal rights and protections for autistic individuals and their families across the UK. It highlights key legislative frameworks designed to safeguard these rights, including the Human Rights Act 1998, which ensures fundamental freedoms; the Mental Capacity Act 2005, addressing decision-making capacity; and the Equality Act 2010, which mandates reasonable adjustments in workplaces and services to prevent discrimination. The resource details the legal duties of various bodies, such as health and social care organisations, and local authorities, in providing appropriate support. For children and young people, it clarifies the responsibilities of local authorities and schools to meet special educational needs (SEN), including the provision of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and SEN Support. For adults, the article focuses on the Care Act 2014, outlining local authorities' duties to assess and meet care and support needs. This section serves as a vital guide for understanding the legal landscape, empowering autistic people and their families to assert their rights and access the support they are entitled to.
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