Cardiff Council is on the verge of approving its first-ever Neurodivergent Friendly Cardiff Strategy, a five-year plan which aims to make the city a place where neurodivergent people of all ages are supported to live well and thrive.
The strategy, which runs from 2025 to 2030, is the result of extensive engagement with neurodivergent individuals, families, professionals, and community groups, the council said. More than 800 people took part in the consultation earlier this year, with more than 84 per cent of adults and 92 per cent of young people agreeing with the vision and key aims of the strategy.
Neurodivergence – an umbrella term that includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences – affects around one in seven people in the UK.
In September 2023, the council unanimously passed a motion committing to the development of a Neurodivergent Friendly Cardiff Strategy, recognising the barriers faced by neurodivergent people and setting out the aspiration to remove obstacles to participation in all aspects of city life.
Building on this commitment, the Cardiff Public Services Board – bringing together partners from health, education, emergency services, and the third sector – endorsed a city-wide approach to the strategy in January 2024.
The council said that the strategy recognises both the challenges and the strengths neurodivergent people bring to Cardiff’s communities, workplaces and schools, and moves beyond aspiration to concrete, city-wide commitments with six key aims:
- Being included and part of your community
- Reaching your goals in education and employment
- Accessing information you can trust
- Supporting the health and wellbeing of neurodivergent people and families
- Being understood and celebrating difference
- Improving environments for neurodivergent people
Each aim is backed by specific, measurable commitments – ranging from the creation of Neurodivergent Friendly Hubs and Libraries, to new workplace guidance, specialist housing, and accessible information points across the city.
The strategy has been shaped by the voices of those with lived experience. Feedback from the extensive consultation exercise has led to new commitments, including more support for older adults, inclusive arts activities, and a focus on practical adjustments in schools and workplaces.
Cllr Leonora Thomson, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said:
“I am proud that Cardiff is leading the way with this strategy, which has been shaped by the neurodivergent community at every stage.
“We know that neurodivergent people have unique strengths, but too often face barriers in daily life. This strategy is about removing those barriers and working together to create a city where everyone is enabled to thrive, not just to ‘cope’.
“I want to thank everyone who contributed their experiences and ideas – this is just the beginning of our journey, and we are committed to listening, learning, and acting in partnership with our community.”
Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said:
“Every child deserves to feel understood and supported in our schools. This strategy means more training for teachers, better environments, and real support for neurodivergent learners at every stage. By listening to young people and families, we’re making Cardiff’s education system more inclusive and ambitious for all.”
Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Ash Lister said:
“Supporting neurodivergent children and young people is a priority for us. This strategy ensures their voices are heard and their needs are met, not just in care but across all the services they use.
“It also strengthens our commitment to early intervention, partnership working, and making sure services are accessible and responsive to individual needs.”
A new Cabinet Review Group will oversee delivery of the strategy, with annual reviews to ensure transparency and accountability. The Council is also establishing a Neurodivergent Friendly Forum to maintain ongoing engagement with the community.
