Angela Browning MP Urges Colleagues To Ensure Better Future For People With Autism, UK

Main Category: Autism
Article Date: 06 Oct 2008 - 10:00 PDT

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Angela Browning MP is urging fellow MPs to ensure a brighter future for people with autism by backing a draft Private Members' Bill, launched by The National Autistic Society (NAS) in the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday 7th October.

With 40% of adults with autism living at home with their parents and over 60% relying on them financially, the Autism Bill aims to improve the lives of the half a million people with autism in the UK, many of whom to not receive the support that would help them become more independent and achieve their potential in adulthood.

NAS Chief Executive, Mark Lever, said; "Autism is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition and without the right support it can have a profound and sometimes devastating effect. It is simply unacceptable that individuals and families continue to struggle to get the help they so desperately need from health and social care agencies. We strongly urge MPs to back this vital bill; the right support at the right time could transform thousands of lives."

Angela Browning MP said; "Whilst there has been some national progress on autism, very little has actually changed for people living with autism at ground level. The Autism Bill has the potential to make a huge difference in ensuring local services take action, but we need support to make this happen."

The Autism Bill aims to compel local authorities and NHS bodies to recognise and fulfil their responsibilities towards people with autism. Measures proposed include: improving local information on the number of people with autism, providing effective support from child to adult services, appropriate staff training, and the promotion of appropriate packages of support to enable independent living for people with the disability.

The NAS, the UK's leading charity for people with autism and their families, is urging campaigners to lobby their MP to back the bill at http://www.think-differently.org.uk.

- Angela Browning MP is Vice President of The National Autistic Society

- 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.uk.

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.

The National Autistic Society