Local MP Stephen Metcalfe is
backing The National Autistic Society’s (NAS) new campaign aimed at improving
support for adults with autism in South Basildon and East Thurrock and across
England.
One in every hundred adults has autism, meaning there are
300,000 adults in England with the disability.
Mr Metcalfe’s endorsement of the
‘Push For Action’ campaign follows a recent NAS survey of 1100 people across
England, which showed that many adults with the disability are missing out
on the support they need:
- 36% of people with autism said they need help to wash and dress. But only 7% get this support from social services.
- 77% of people with autism say they need help to manage money. But only 4% get this support from social services.
- 53% of people with autism say they want help to find work. But only 10% get the support to do so.
These findings come despite the
existence of the Autism Act 2009, which was designed to improve support for
adults with autism and their families. The new NAS research shows that while
there have been some improvements, far too many people with autism are still
waiting for the right services.
This year the Government is
reviewing the impact of the Autism Act. Stephen Metcalfe is supporting ‘Push
for Action’ to make sure adults with autism in South Basildon and East Thurrock
and across England can access support.
Stephen commented: “If they don’t
have the right support, many people with autism can
struggle with the everyday activities that many of us take for granted. With
the impact of the Autism Act under review, I hope I can count on the support of
local people in the area to get behind the NAS’ ‘Push for Action’ campaign, and
seize this opportunity to improve life for adults with the condition.”
“I will
be writing to Essex County Council and Thurrock council to make sure the needs
of people with autism in the local area are being put front and centre.”
Mark Lever NAS Chief Executive
said: “It’s great news that Stephen Metcalfe MP is championing this important
campaign. Adults with autism have been waiting a long time to get the everyday
support that they need.”
“We’ve seen great strides forward
in some parts of the country since 2009, but progress has been too slow and too
patchy.
“The Government's Autism Act
review gives people with autism a second chance to be heard – we need to make
it count.”
