Make additional autism-specific training mandatory for all speech therapists
I believe Speech Therapy is failing autistic children and that change is long overdue. This campaign calls to make additional autism-specific training mandatory for all prospective & practising NHS Speech Therapists. Please sign this petition today to Speak Up for Autism.
Signatures
5,995
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 5,995/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 5,995/100,000
- 21 APR 2026Petition opened for signaturesCreated by Laura Brown
Background
The new training should focus on ensuring autistic individuals have their specific Speech, Language & Communications needs met & give all Speech Therapists the confidence to recommend, refer & support an autistic individual’s communication needs. This would include augmentative & alternative communication, language processing & understanding of speech disorders such as Apraxia - with a specific focus on how these impact & relate to autistic individuals.
This new training could be called "Speak Up for Autism."