Autism: We Want To Do More To Help Families And People - Minister Phil Hope, UK

Phil Hope MP, Minister of State for Care Services at the Department of Health has written to Ivan Corea of the UK Autism Foundation sating that 'Autism is a vitally important issue and we want to do more to support people with the condition and their families. We know that, left unsupported, autism can have a devastating impact on people and families.We also know that they do not get the support they need and deserve.'


The Minister told the UK Autism Foundation that the DCSF is leading a complementary programme of work to improve provision for children with autism and their families. It will be increasing its funding for the Autism Education Trust in the coming financial year to support the Trust in working with local authorities and Primary Care Trusts to improve the commissioning of services for children with the condition. Subject to Royal Assent for the Apprentiships, Skills Children and Learning Bill, DCSF will be consulting on new statutory guidance for Children and Young People's Plans which clearly reflects the needs of disabled children, including those with autism. Phil Hope said this will ensure services in a range of areas - health, social care and education, for example - are all better tailored to the needs of autistic children.


This programme is in addition to work with the Department of health on transitions and work already being taken forward on developing in-service teacher training materitals on autism, on bullying and exclusions of children with special education needs and short breaks. This programme of work with children and young people with autism is now underpinned by the Child Health Strategy announced on 28th January by Ed Balls and Alan Johnson, which included further funding of ??340 million to fund health services for disabled children, including children with autism with the most complex needs.


The UK Autism Foundation, a registered British charity, has been lobbying and campaigning on behalf of families with autism who are below the poverty line. Over 200 MPs of all parties have signed three early day motions in the House of Commons supporting UKAF's appeal. Recently Prime Minister Gordon Gordon wrote to the UK Autism Foundation - for the first time - on autism. David Cameron and Nick Clegg have also contacted UKAF on the serious issues of autism.


Ivan Corea 'While I welcome the moves by the Government to do more for parents, carers,children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome I am urging the Prime Minister Gordon Brown to end the postcode lottery to public services in 2009 not in 10 years time. Familes and people with autism desperately need help. We have appealed to Chancellor Alistair Darling to increase the tax credits, the disability living allowance and the carer's allowance in the April Budget - in order for parents, carers and people with autism to cope with life during the deepening recession.'


UK Autism Foundation

Woodford Business Centre

113-115 George Lane

South Woodford

London E18 1AB

United Kingdom