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Majority of local authorities failing adults with autism
For the first time, all local authorities in England have been ranked and rated on their approach to adults with autism. The online table, published by The National Autistic Society (NAS), reveals an astounding postcode lottery where only one local authority knows how many adults with autism are in their area. The NAS I Exist campaign, launched in February this year, found at least one in three adults with autism were experiencing severe mental health difficulties due to a lack of support. Whilst there has been some national progress on autism with the Government committing to a landmark national adult autism strategy, local authorities have been slow to act. In response the NAS has rated local authorities on their progress in two key areas, which the I Exist campaign identified as essential to planning and improving services to meet local need: 1. 148 out of 149 local authorities do not know how many adults with autism are in their area. However, 27% are planning to address this issue. 2. 64% do not have a named team or individual with responsibility for autism in line with Department of Health recommendations. Just over a third of local authorities are following Government guidance in this area, although a further 11% have acknowledged the need for further action. Mark Lever, NAS Chief Executive said; "We strongly welcome the good practice of those local authorities who are working hard to transform the lives of adults with autism and their families. The results in our table, however, show there is a long way to go. It is simply unacceptable that many local authorities have no clear picture of how many adults with autism are in their area and there remains a lack of responsibility for meeting their needs. Without the right support autism can have a profound and sometimes devastating effect and we will keep campaigning until we see real change at ground level." The London Borough of Merton clearly leads the table, being the only local authority to both know how many adults with autism are in their area and have a named individual with responsibility for autism. Worryingly, almost half (46%) of local authorities met neither of these criteria. The online table is designed to track progress; the NAS is, therefore, inviting local authorities to keep them informed of developments to improve their ratings. The results and responses from local authorities can be viewed online at www.think-differently.org.uk/campaign. Improving local information on the numbers of people with autism is a key measure of a draft Private Members' bill launched by the NAS. The charity is asking MPs to back the Autism Bill, which aims to ensure a brighter future for people with autism by compelling local authorities to recognise and fulfil their responsibilities towards them.
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