National Autistic Society launches awareness campaign targeting GPs

The National Autistic Society is running a direct mail campaign
to doctors in the UK this week to raise the awareness of autistic
spectrum disorders.

The society is targeting 34,000 GP practices with a mailing pack
containing a leaflet, Recognising Autistic Spectrum
Disorders, and a fact sheet, A GP’s Guide to Adults
with Asperger’s Syndrome.

GPs will also receive posters highlighting the characteristics
of autism and handout cards with details of the National Autistic
Society’s Autism Helpline on it.

The mailing pack will include a survey asking doctors about
their experiences of the assessment, referral, diagnosis and
support of patients with autistic spectrum disorders. The results
should give the society a greater understanding of the availability
of resources for GPs to support patients.

The results will be published next year. The NAS Autism Helpline
is 0870 600 8585.