Stand Up For Autism On World Autism Awareness Day, UK

The UK Autism Foundation is 'Standing Up For Autism' on the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day on 2nd April 2010. UKAF is urging world leaders not only to stand up for autism but also to provide better public services in education, health, specialist speech therapy and respite care for parents, carers, children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome in every nation. There are 60 million people with autism around the world.


UKAF has also welcomed the new autism strategy for adults in Britain. The charity also backed the Autism Bill of 2009. Ivan Corea told: 'We welcome the new strategy for adults and support it, but there is still unfinished business on autism. We are calling for a strategy for children and a debate on autism and the elderly. Who will care for them when they grow old?'


Recently the charity called on ITV News, Sky News and BBC News to include disability issues in the historic TV Leaders Debates. Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg will face each other 'live' for the first time on British Television in the run up to the 2010 General Election. The party leaders were urged to mention autism in the debates - within the context of their plans to help parents, carers, children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome. The three 90-minute sessions will begin by focusing on domestic policies, international affairs and the economy. The ITV Leaders Debate, chaired by Alistair Stewart, will be held in the North West, the theme will be Domestic Affairs. The ITV Debate will be chaired by Alistair Stewart. The Sky debate, chaired by Adam Boulton will be held in the South West with the theme of International Affairs. The third debate chaired by David Dimbleby of BBC News will be held in the Midlands with the theme of the Economy.


UKAF has urged Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg to 'stand up for autism' in the Leaders Debates and show how they plan to reach out to parents, carers and people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome.


Source
UK Autism Foundation