I am cross about the paltry lack of awareness by the UK media of a subject that affects a great many of us on this board. So I wrote to Jeremy Vine (he loves a good bun fight debate), asking for it to feature in today's show. After watching the really poor attempt by itv to tackle this topic, I wanted to scream! So I keep checking my email! Why don't those of this affected by ASD also email the Jeremy Vine show. We could get it put on the agenda for today.
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Dear Jeremy,
Today is World Autism Awareness Day, and sadly there seems to be a rather pathetic lack of coverage about this in the UK Media today. I have just watched a three minute slot on itv Lorraine which was sandwiched between stars skin treatment secrets and Hollywood showbiz gossip. The guests on Lorraine's show were Melanie Sykes who has a verbal Autistic 8 year old son and Mark Lever Chief Exec of the NAS. Not enough time was given to something that affects 1 in 100 people in this country (including whole families where it can affect each generation).
I am writing to ask you to give this very important topic some coverage on your show today. You have a colleague who has an autistic son, so you must know how hard it can be for these children and their families. The struggles to get a diagnosis, the traumas of getting an education, the help needed with eating, sensory issues, personal hygiene, incontinence, speech, social communication. The list can seemingly be endless. The lack of help out there is woeful. People fight to get a diagnosis which can take years, then they are left by the NHS to get on with it. Trying to take it to that next stage is unbelievably difficult as you negotiate your way through NHS and LA provision and services. It's hard.
Please, please make this a priority on your show today.