May 2009
Prime Minister’s new plans for nation wide autism strategy
Gordon Brown has outlined new government plans on autism after The UK Autism Foundation’s relentless campaigning and the hugely successful United Nations-backed World Autism Awareness Day on 2nd April this year.
In the making of history, the PM has overwritten previous autism strategies and declared that the government “are determined that people with autism and their families get the support they need and deserve, and know that without it the condition can have a devastating impact”. In a personal letter to Ivan Corea, the parent who launched the UK Autism Foundation in 2008 to campaign specifically for families below the poverty line experiencing autism, Gordon Brown outlined his proposals to improve the quality of services provided to adults on the autism spectrum.
Among the initiatives are plans to publish good practice Commissioning Guidance for the NHS and local Authorities, as well as launching a new national strategy for autism, to be published by the end of the year, focusing on four main areas; health, social inclusion, choice and control, and training. The strategy will emphasise the need for young people to gain placements in training or work, as well as addressing supported living needs. Elaine Hill has been appointed as national advisor on Autism and will be shaping the strategy. Brown also stated the intentions to advise local authorities and other agencies on gathering data assessing needs and commissioning services for those with autism in their areas, as well as the funding in 2009 of a study into the prevalence of autism in adults.
The new plans come after 200 MEP’s signed three early day motions in response to autism campaigners, with all party support within the House of Commons confirming the overwhelming support for the bill.
Make your voice heard - Contribute to the government strategy
A unique government consultation which will include the views of autism organisations across the country as well as members of the public, is taking place from 29th April 2009 to 15th September 2009.
This is the chance to advocate for positive change and improve the lives of adults with autism.
Respondents are invited to complete a questionnaire included in the consultation document, which is downloadable from the Department of Health website. To take part, click here
- Your chance to be heard
- The Government wants your views before publishing their finalised autism strategy at the end of this year. The deadline to respond is September 15th. Click to read more and complete an online response form.
