Autism-Europe has submitted its updated alternative report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD Committee) as part of the second review of the European Union’s (EU) compliance with the UN Convention (UN CRPD) in January 2025. The report was produced in partnership with Autism-Europe’s members and provides an in-depth analysis of the barriers autistic people face across the EU, calling for urgent action to ensure their full inclusion and rights in the next phase of the European strategy for the Rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030.
Ensuring autistic people are not left behind
Autism-Europe’s alternative report highlights the persistent gaps in the EU’s implementation of the UN CRPD, particularly in areas such as access to education, healthcare, employment, and independent living. While the EU has made commitments towards disability rights, autistic people and their families continue to experience widespread discrimination, lack of reasonable accommodations, and insufficient support services.
The report complements the European Disability Forum’s (EDF) alternative report by focusing on issues specific to autistic people. It outlines key areas of concern and provides concrete recommendations to ensure that the EU meets its obligations under the CRPD.
Key Recommendations from AE’s Report
The shadow report identifies several critical areas where the EU must take immediate action:
Non-discrimination and Equality: Existing EU anti-discrimination legislation does not provide comprehensive protection for autistic people in key areas such as healthcare, education, and social services. Autism-Europe calls for the adoption of an EU-wide law prohibiting disability-based discrimination in all aspects of life. The Commissions subsequent/recent announcement of the withdrawal from the proposal for a horizontal Equal Treatment Directive goes against the fundamental values of the European Union and their obligations under the CRPD.
Access to Healthcare: Many autistic individuals face barriers to healthcare due to a lack of autism-specific training among medical professionals and the absence of reasonable accommodations. Autism-Europe urges the EU to implement mandatory autism training for healthcare providers and ensure accessible healthcare services.
Inclusive Education: Despite the EU’s commitment to inclusive education, many autistic children still face segregation and a lack of appropriate support in mainstream schools. Autism-Europe recommends targeted EU funding for teacher training and the promotion of autism-specific educational strategies.
Employment and Independent Living: Autistic people continue to experience high unemployment rates and a lack of access to independent living opportunities. The report calls for increased enforcement of reasonable accommodation requirements in workplaces and EU investment in community-based support services.
Data Collection and Awareness: The lack of reliable EU-wide data on autism prevalence and support needs hinders progress. Autism-Europe advocates for standardized data collection and comprehensive awareness campaigns to combat stigma and misconceptions.
A Call for action in the context of the CRPD review of the European Union
With this report, Autism-Europe urges the EU to strengthen its commitment to the rights of autistic people under the UNCRPD. As the EU’s Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 enters its second phase there is renewed opportunity to address these longstanding issues, but concrete actions and accountability mechanisms are needed.
Autism-Europe remains committed to working alongside policymakers, disability organizations, and autistic individuals to ensure that autism-specific concerns are addressed at the highest level. The CRPD Committee’s concluding observations following the EU’s review will be crucial in shaping future EU policies and initiatives.
Autism-Europe calls on the EU to take immediate steps to implement the recommendations outlined in the report and to engage in meaningful dialogue with the autism community to build a more inclusive and equitable society.
On 10-12 March, Autism-Europe is at the United Nations in Geneva for the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) review of the European Union alongside other disabled people’s organisations. This crucial process assesses how the EU is implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
- 10 March: A private briefing between civil society and the CRPD Committee.
- 11 March & 12th March: The public dialogue between the CRPD Committee and the EU.
You can follow these sessions live here: UN Web TV
For more information and to read the full alternative report.