The first piece of legislation on autism for England moved
closer to the statute books yesterday after winning government
support.
Following negotiations between government officials and the
National Autistic Society, ministers have agreed to place their
autism strategy for adults, which is currently
under consultation, on a statutory footing, giving it
greater force.
In a
committee debate on an
NAS-drafted private member's bill, moved by Tory
MP Cheryl Gillan, care services minister Phil Hope
successfully moved a series of amendments to create an
alternative bill, embodying the government's
autism strategy.
The plans mirror the proposals for autistic adults in Gillan's
original and were strongly welcomed by the NAS. They would commit
the government to:-
- Producing the autism strategy no later than 1 April 2010, and
keeping it under review.
- Issuing guidance to secure its implementation no later than 31
December 2010. Councils and NHS trusts would be under a duty to
implement the guidance unless there were exceptional reasons for
not doing so.
- The guidance must cover the provision of diagnostic services,
the identification of adults with autism, assessments of need,
service planning, transition planning for young people, staff
training and leadership.
NAS 'absolutely delighted'
Mark Lever, chief executive of the NAS said; “We are absolutely
delighted that the government is prepared to take decisive action
to tackle the shocking lack of help which leaves people affected by
autism feeling isolated, ignored and often at breaking point."
Gillan said: "The minister has gone further than I or the
National Autistic Society and the 14 other charities that have been
advising me have asked for. He has met their needs and demands at
every step of the way".
Autistic children
Her bill also contained proposed duties on councils to collect
and provide information on the number of children with autism in
their areas and consider their needs.
The government has promised to address these issues through
guidance on children and young people's plans which will be brought
in under the current
Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning
Bill.
The Autism Bill will have its third reading in the House of
Commons on 19 June, when it is likely to be voted through for
consideration by the House of Lords.
More information
National Autistic Society information on
bill
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