Government Announces Landmark Strategy To Transform Adult Autism Support, UK

The National Autistic Society (NAS) welcomed a raft of new measures in the landmark adult autism strategy published today aimed at tackling the isolation, ignorance and inequality routinely experienced by the over 300,000 adults with autism in England.



Announced by Care Services Minister, Phil Hope, the three year strategy Fulfilling and rewarding lives comes in response to NAS research revealing at least 1 in 3 adults with autism are experiencing serious mental health difficulties due to a lack of support.



Mark Lever, chief executive of the NAS and chair of the strategy's external reference group (ERG) said: "This long awaited strategy is the first step to ensuring adults with autism will be able to enjoy the same rights and freedoms as the rest of society. Crucially, the strategy recognises the importance of specialist autism teams which we know are extremely successful at driving improvements in autism support. So now the next step will be to translate the strategy into decisive action at a local level - this momentous opportunity to transform the lives of people with autism and their families must not be wasted."



The strategy is expected to drive a dramatic improvement in the quality of health, social care and other public services for people with the condition. The NAS welcomes other measures in the strategy including:



- a programme to develop training with health and social care professional bodies - backed by ??500,000 investment to ensure better recognition and awareness of autism in frontline public services



- Autism awareness training for all Jobcentre Plus Disability Employment Advisers (DEAs) - NAS research shows over a third of adults with autism think their DEA has a poor knowledge of autism and just 15% of adults with autism are in full time paid employment



- The development of clear, consistent pathways for diagnosis through the development of guidance by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the appointment of local lead professionals to develop diagnostic services



- A commitment to develop guidance on making public services accessible for adults with autism, like improving buildings, public transport and communication



The delivery plan for the strategy, which will be published by the 31st March 2010 will set out
the priorities for the first year and provide support for the NHS and local authorities to deliver the strategy at a local level.



Anya Ustaszewski, vice chair of the ERG and an adult with autism said:

"A lack of support can leave people with autism isolated and vulnerable. An exciting milestone has been reached with the publication of the strategy, however, it is important that the delivery plan contains clear measures for local authorities and support from the Department of Health to deliver them. We want to be able to feel happy, safe and accepted and have equal and fair access to choice and opportunities in our lives. We should all be able to fulfil our true potential as autistic individuals."



"Finally, it is important that this strategy is seen as the start of an ongoing process to improve the lives and rights of people with autism - it cannot be seen as a 'one-off' solution."



In accordance with the Autism Act the strategy will be accompanied by statutory guidance to be published by December 2010. This means local authorities and NHS services who fail to provide appropriate support for adults with autism will be breaking the law.



For more information on the adult autism strategy visit autism.uk/dhstrategy




Source
The National Autistic Society