Huppert gets government commitment for adults with autism
June 14, 2010 9:31 AM
The government has promised to help adults with autism and their families and will publish guidance by the end of the year, Cambridge MP Julian Huppert has been told.
Consultation will begin in the next few weeks on meeting the requirements of the Autism Act.
An Autism Programme Board, which includes health professionals, third sector voluntary organisations and people with autism, has been set up to monitor progress and set targets if required.
Julian was given assurances that the government is committed to addressing the needs of people with autism after he raised the issue in a written Parliamentary Question to Care Services Minister, Paul Burstow.
He asked about recent progress on the Adult Autism Strategy which was backed by his predecessor, David Howarth, who also pushed for the autism law.
Mr Burstow, who will chair the Autism Programme Board, said: "To assist the national health service and local authorities to implement the strategy locally, the department will fulfill the commitment set out in the Autism Act 2009 and consult on and publish guidance in December 2010. Consultation will begin in the next few weeks."
Julian said: "The Autism Act places a duty on local authorities and the NHS to meet their responsibilities towards adults with autism and it is vital that the government gives its full commitment to the strategy drawn up to implement this law.
"In the past, the needs of many of these people have been largely ignored and services across the country have varied widely. This strategy has the potential to help thousands of people who are suffering from this serious, life-long and disabling condition."
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