Majority Of Local Authorities Failing Adults With Autism, UK

Main Category: Autism
Article Date: 04 Dec 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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For the first time, all local authorities in England have been ranked and rated on their approach to adults with autism. The online table, published by The National Autistic Society (NAS), reveals an astounding postcode lottery where only one local authority knows how many adults with autism are in their area.

The NAS I Exist campaign, launched in February this year, found at least one in three adults with autism were experiencing severe mental health difficulties due to a lack of support. Whilst there has been some national progress on autism with the Government committing to a landmark national adult autism strategy, local authorities have been slow to act.

In response the NAS has rated local authorities on their progress in two key areas, which the I Exist campaign identified as essential to planning and improving services to meet local need:

1. 148 out of 149 local authorities do not know how many adults with autism are in their area. However, 27% are planning to address this issue.

2. 64% do not have a named team or individual with responsibility for autism in line with Department of Health recommendations. Just over a third of local authorities are following Government guidance in this area, although a further 11% have acknowledged the need for further action.

Mark Lever, NAS Chief Executive said;

"We strongly welcome the good practice of those local authorities who are working hard to transform the lives of adults with autism and their families. The results in our table, however, show there is a long way to go. It is simply unacceptable that many local authorities have no clear picture of how many adults with autism are in their area and there remains a lack of responsibility for meeting their needs. Without the right support autism can have a profound and sometimes devastating effect and we will keep campaigning until we see real change at ground level."

The London Borough of Merton clearly leads the table, being the only local authority to both know how many adults with autism are in their area and have a named individual with responsibility for autism. Worryingly, almost half (46%) of local authorities met neither of these criteria.

The online table is designed to track progress; the NAS is, therefore, inviting local authorities to keep them informed of developments to improve their ratings. The results and responses from local authorities can be viewed online at http://www.think-differently.org.uk/campaign.

Improving local information on the numbers of people with autism is a key measure of a draft Private Members' bill launched by the NAS. The charity is asking MPs to back the Autism Bill, which aims to ensure a brighter future for people with autism by compelling local authorities to recognise and fulfil their responsibilities towards them.

Notes

- Statistics were correct at time of going print (01/12/08). I Exist is an ongoing campaign and the local authority table will be updated as progress is made or more information becomes available.

- 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 .

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.

National Autistic Society