The National Autistic Society (NAS) is celebrating a crucial win for people with autism, as the Government announced that for the first time, adults with the disability and their needs will be counted. Revealing a raft of new measures, and in response to the NAS I Exist campaign, the government demonstrated a major commitment to improving the lives of thousands of adults with autism building towards a landmark national adult autism strategy.

Mark Lever, chief executive of the NAS said;

"This is great news for the thousands of adults with autism who told us they feel isolated and ignored. We are delighted that the government has listened and is taking decisive action. Today's announcement should mark a sea change in the way that the needs of people with autism are recognised and met. However, we will keep campaigning to ensure real change happens at ground level. Autism is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition and without the right support it can have a profound and sometimes devastating effect on individuals and families."

The announcement comes after the NAS I Exist campaign revealed a desperate reality where 63% of adults with autism do not have enough support with at least 1 in 3 experiencing severe mental health difficulties due to a lack of support. With 40% living at home and being almost entirely dependent on their families, the campaign report, I Exist, found a shocking 92% of parents are worried about their son or daughter's future when they are no longer able to care for them.

Measures to address the devastating lack of support announced by care services minister Ivan Lewis, today, included:

Research into the numbers of adults with autism

The NAS I Exist report identified that it is a fundamental problem that nobody knows how many adults with autism there are. This makes it extremely difficult to plan and deliver the services that people with autism really need.

Study of support needs of young people with autism

Many young people with autism find it difficult to achieve their potential in adulthood, because the level of help available dramatically declines once they reach school leaving age. The right support at the right time could make an enormous difference.

A full time autism specialist post in the department of health

This was a key campaign demand for the NAS. Expanding expertise and leadership on autism is a crucial development which has the potential to radically improve the experiences of adults with autism.

A training summit for health and social care professionals

Many adults with autism say that professionals fail to understand the complexities of their condition, which can lead to them receiving inadequate support or no support at all.

Ivan Lewis, minister for care services said;

"Adults with autism and Asperger's syndrome are too often abandoned by services with their families left to struggle alone. Equally, people are frequently missappropriately referred to either mental health or learning disability services.

This study will inform the development of a national strategy designed to ensure that adults with autism and Asperger's syndrome are supported to have full lives.

We still don't know enough about autism, but we do know that left unsupported, it can have a devastating impact on those who have the condition and their families. One of the key gaps in our knowledge is simple - we don't know how many people have the condition in any given area. That is why I am ordering a study to address this. "

Key statistics from the I Exist report:

- It is estimated that over 500,000 people in the UK have autism - that's 1 in 100. However, this estimate is based on a prevalence study on children.

- 92% of parents are worried about their son or daughter's future when they are no long able to care for them.

- 61% of adults with autism rely on their family financially and 40% live with their parents.

- 60% of parents believe that a lack of support has led to higher support needs later on.

- 67% of local authorities do not keep a record of how many adults with autism there are in their area and 65% do not even know how many adults with autism they actually support.

Notes:

- The I Exist report launched on 5th February 2008. For more information about the think differently about autism campaign and to download copies of the I Exist report, visit http://www.think-differently.org.uk email thinkdifferently@nas.org.uk or call 020 7923 5799

- The statistics are for England only. Separate reports were produced for Scotland and Wales. In England, 1,412 adults with autism (18 or over) and their families/carers responded to the survey.

- 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 or 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