People With Autism May Be Ignored In Favour Of Quick Wins: A National Autistic Society Response To The Budget 2009

Main Category: Autism
Article Date: 22 Apr 2009 - 7:00 PDT

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Today the National Autistic Society (NAS), the UK's leading charity for people affected by autism, urged the Chancellor not to ignore the 300,000 working age adults with the condition, many of whom say they are teetering on the brink of poverty. The charity is deeply concerned that the Government's focus on those who are newly unemployed may be at the expense of those who can work but have more complex employment support needs.

Mark Lever, Chief Executive of the NAS said;

"Thousands of adults with autism face financial hardship, because a lack of understanding of the condition means they have to fight to find and stay in work or even to access the necessary benefits.

"In the present economic climate it is more important than ever that there is sufficient support for those who are most vulnerable. With a worringly low 15% of adults with autism currently in full time paid employment, people with the condition face an even greater threat of being ignored in favour of quick wins. It is, therefore, absolutely crucial that spending cuts and new job measures are not allowed to further marginalise those who need more intensive 'back to work' support.

"Many adults with autism want to work and have a great many skills to offer so the NAS will keep campaigning until the Government delivers on its "no-one written off" pledge. They must work harder to address the gaps in understanding and opportunity by investing in specialist support and training for employment advisors. Only then will people with disabilities, including autism, be able to enjoy the same right to work as everyone else. The right help at the right time could transform lives."

Source
National Autistic Society