Lords 'Push for Action' ASD Autism

[kafkesque]

Please go to NAS website and "push the button" for services for Autism in your area.

Lord Touhig, one of The National Autistic Society's vice-presidents, led a debate in the House of Lords about our new Push For Action campaign.

He quoted a recent survey published by The National Autistic Society (NAS), in which 70% of adults with autism and carers surveyed said they did not receive the everyday support they need from social services. Lord Touhig called on the Government to consider the recommendations in our report, aimed at improving the lives of adults with autism but improving access to services.

Health Minister Earl Howe said the Government is already implementing some of our proposals and added 'We will certainly consider the idea of an innovation fund during the course of the review.' The fund would provide financial support to help develop local autism services.

The Government will be reviewing progress made in implementing the adult autism strategy later this year.

Lord Touhig and Lord Clement-Jones also mentioned recent research by Deloitte showing that providing low level services to working age adults with 'moderate' needs can be cost effective.1 Research indicates that for every £1 invested, £1.30 could be generated for national government, local government, adults with autism and carers.

Another of our vice-presidents, Baroness Browning, also contributed to the debate, reminding the Minister that a number of Government departments must fulfil their obligations under the adult autism strategy. In particular, the NAS calls on the Department for Work and Pensions to review autism training for Jobcentre staff and work with employers to raise awareness of the benefits of employing people with autism. The Minister assured her that other departments would be involved in the review of the strategy.

Other Peers raised a number of issues which the review should address, including the need to improve transition arrangements for young adults. Baroness Greengross, who recently chaired a commission in Parliament on autism and ageing, emphasised the importance of diagnosis, training and preventative services for older people with autism.

A transcript of the Lords debate is available on the Parliament website.

How many of these people would not need so many services had they received quality evidence-based early intervention and a decent education?

Research certainly indicates that the cost of supporting individuals with autism would be less had they had access to the above.

Is there also a push for services button for those?

I absolutely agree. To start somewhere they need to start providing on all fronts.

Why does the NAS always focus on adult campaigns? Is that 'easier' than challenging the stranglehold of LAs on the provision for children and YP where the NAS themselves have vested interests?

When I see the NAS stand up and challenge LAs openly for their widely unlawful practices, for the absence of measurable provision and for using their own branded 'Early Bird' courses in place of actual provision, I will support them.

Follow the money - who provides the majority of funding for the NAS?
(Especially those services they provide for children).

I prefer to support Ambitious about Autism. They are a younger charity, who seem to be growing into issues as the founders encounter them (hence their campaigning in recent years around education to 25 and youth services). However at every stage they are using evidenced based practice to inform their campaigning.

Adult social care generally is in an abysmal state, my battles last year for a sibling were rough. I do support some of what the NAS says, but also feel that they avoid the really TOUGH issues. (eg The court of protection actively preventing families from ensuring adult services provide safe care in some cases).

Yes. Ambitious about Autism is increasing in influence.