Plans for a groundbreaking national strategy for adults with
autism and Asperger’s syndrome have been announced by the
government today.
For the first time, research into the number of adults with the
condition will be carried out, as part of the strategy. In
addition, a study has been commissioned jointly by the
Department for Children, Schools
and Families and the
Department of Health into the
needs of those in transition from children to adult services. The
research will inform the strategy, which will be launched next
year.
Care services minister Ivan Lewis said the measures would help
people with autism who were “too often abandoned by services” or
misdiagnosed and given inappropriate services.
He added: “We still don't know enough about autism, but we do
know that left unsupported, it can have a devastating impact on
those who have the condition and their families. One of the key
gaps in our knowledge is simple – we don't know how many people
have the condition in any given area.”
In 2006 it was discovered that a far greater number of children
had autism – more than 1% of the population – than previously
thought. The increase was put down to improved diagnosis and a
broader definition of the condition and put a question mark over
the number of adults affected.
The National Autistic Society’s
I Exist
report, launched in February this year, also found that 63% of
adults with autism were not receiving sufficient support, with at
least one in three experiencing severe mental health difficulties
as a result.
Chief executive Mark Lever said that today’s announcement marked
a “sea change” in the way people with autism were recognised. “This
is great news for the thousands of adults with autism who told us
they feel isolated and ignored,” he added. "We are delighted that
the government has listened and is taking decisive action. Autism
is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition and without the
right support it can have a profound and sometimes devastating
effect on individuals and families.”
Related articles
Autism and Asperger's syndrome: adults lack services
National Autistic Society in bid to address plight
CC LIVE: Adult directors must ensure transitions are planned for
people with Asperger's
Expert guide: Autism