STUNELL SUPPORTS STOCKPORT SERVICES FOR AUTISM

Local MP backs The National Autistic Society's new campaign aimed at improving support for adults with autism in Stockport.

One in every hundred Stockport adults has autism, meaning there are 300,000 adults in England with the disability.

Commenting, Andrew Stunell MP for Hazel Grove said -

"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 the Council to make sure the needs of people with autism in Stockport are being put front and centre."

A recent NAS survey 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.

Commenting, Mark Lever NAS Chief Executive said:

"It's great news that Andrew Stunell 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."