Autism Independence Theory of

Autism Independence are bringing together organisations, service users and people interested in helping them meet the needs of young people with autism and their families in the Bristol area. They are running a Theory of Change session to explore the potential and anticipated outcomes of Autism Independence services collectively. They are looking for input and feedback from local authority, NHS and educational institutions and other service providers, and service users.

Theory of Change (ToC) is a comprehensive description and illustration of how and why a desired change is expected to happen in a particular context. It is focused in particular on mapping out or “filling in” what has been described as the “missing middle” between what a program or change initiative does (its activities or interventions) and how these lead to desired goals being achieved.

Through this approach the precise link between activities and the achievement of the long-term goals are more fully understood and can be more constructively explained. This leads to better planning, better evaluation and better outcomes for people as it is possible to measure progress towards the achievement of longer-term goals that goes beyond the identification of outputs.

Book your place