Mr Paul Farrelly
Newcastle under Lyme
House of Commons
London
SW1A0AA
Please act now to make sure the Adult Autism Strategy is good enough
I am writing to you as the adult autism strategy is hanging in the balance. We need your help to make sure that it works for people with autism. In October 2009, the Autism Bill passed its final stage in the House of Lords to become England’s first ever disability-specific law. The Act committed the Government to producing an Autism Strategy by April 2010 and statutory guidance for local authorities and health bodies by December 2010. The passing of the Autism Act was a landmark moment for the 500,000 people with autism in England, but it is the delivery of an effective strategy and guidance that will result in significant change for people on the ground. To make a real difference the autism strategy must lay out how it will meet the recommendations in the National Audit Office (NAO) report ‘Supporting people with autism through adulthood’, including setting up autism specific teams in each local area and the importance of including autism in planning local services. Please take the following actions to support the delivery of an effective strategy. • Contact the Secretary of State for Health, Andy Burnham MP, and the Care Services Minister, Phil Hope MP, and ask them how the strategy will meet the NAO’s recommendations. • Sign EDM 714, tabled by Don Touhig MP, John Leech MP and Richard Bacon MP. • Raise this issue at Prime Minister’s Questions. the Autism strategy is important to adults for there needs, support, diagnoses etc, also adults have been ignored for along time and it’s time for change If you would like more information about the Autism Act or the Autism Strategy, please call 020 7923 5799 or email campaign@nas.org.uk. I look forward to receiving your reply.
Mr kevin healey
