Is “transforming care” failing people with autism?

Abstract Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to comment on the development and implementation of transforming care (TC) and whether it has failed people with autism. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a commentary. Findings – The number of people with autism being admitted to assessment and treatment units is increasing despite the aims of TC. The authors argue that TC, in serving such a diverse group of people, may have failed to identify the heterogeneity of such groups or recognise the different needs of people with mental illness and people with behaviours that challenge; and that TC could be regarded as a policy that only affects people with an intellectual disability. Originality/value – Policymakers, policy implementers and health and social care staff may consider reviewing their practice to ensure that TC works for people with autism and their family and carers. Keywords Autism, Commissioning, Mental illness, Intellectual disability, Transforming care, Care support services