In November 2015, Spain took a step forward in the recognition of the rights of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). As a result of a historic demand of the Spanish autism community, the Council of Ministers has adopted unanimously the “Spanish Strategy for ASD”, which will serve as the “reference framework for defining national, regional and local policies and actions concerning people with autism”, according to the Spanish Ministry of Health.
The guidelines and goals outlined in the Strategy focus on favouring independence, autonomy, full participation and integration, equality of accessibility, and non-discrimination. These guidelines are essential for improving social inclusion, quality of life and protection of the rights of people with ASD. In this regard, the Strategy is constructed around 15 strategic lines, each with defined goals for guiding the development of concrete measures within a year’s time.