Response To The Carers Strategy By The National Autistic Society, UK

Main Category: Autism
Also Included In: Caregivers / Homecare
Article Date: 11 Jun 2008 - 4:00 PST

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Whilst The National Autistic Society (NAS) welcomes increased funding for vital support services, such as shortbreak schemes, much more needs to be done to tackle the financial hardship faced by thousands of carers.

Autism is a serious and lifelong condition and caring for someone with the disability is often a full time job. Carer's Allowance is currently woefully inadequate at £50.55 for a 35 hour week - that's £1.44 an hour, well under both the minimum wage and Job Seeker's Allowance. At the NAS we hear from many carers of people with autism who struggle to access even this meagre amount. A lack of understanding of the complexities of autism often means people with the condition fail to qualify for the rate of Disability Living Allowance on which Carer's Allowance depends and so individuals and carers often receive nothing at all.

If the Government is serious about giving carers the recognition and support that they need and deserve, it must make the reform of benefits available to carers a priority. The right support at the right time could transform lives.

-- Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.

-- Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language.

The National Autistic Society is the UK's leading charity for people with autistic spectrum disorders and their families. Founded in 1962, it continues to spearhead national and international initiatives and provide a strong voice for all people with autism. The NAS provides a wide range of services to help people with autism and Asperger syndrome live their lives with as much independence as possible.

The NAS relies on the support of its members and donors to continue its vital work for people with autism. To become a member, make a donation or to find out more about the work of the NAS, visit the NAS website http://www.autism.org.ukor call the NAS donation line 08702 33 40 40, (national rates apply). For more information about autism and for help in your area, call the NAS Autism Helpline on: 0845 070 4004 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday, (local rates apply).

The NAS Autism Services Directory is the UK's most comprehensive directory of services and events for people with autism. Visit http://www.autism.org.uk/autismdirectory to find autism services and support networks in your area.

http://www.autism.org.uk