Mark Hunter MP calls for action for autism

Mark Hunter local MP for Cheadle, has pledged his support for a campaign aimed at improving the lives of adults with autism in the north-west and across England.

More than one in every hundred people has autism, meaning there are around 460,000 adults in England with the lifelong developmental disability. The Autism Act was passed in 2009 with the intention of ensuring they got the everyday support they need.

Four years on, despite good progress in some parts of the country, many with the condition are still waiting. In a recent survey, 70% of adults with autism said they do not receive the support they need from social services. Additionally:

• Only 10% receive social skills training, yet 55% would like to receive it
• Only 10% receive employment support, yet 55% would like to receive it
• Only 17% have access to a social group, yet 42% would like to have access to one

This year the Government is reviewing the impact of the Autism Act, and Mark recently attended the 'Push for Action' campaign launch event that aims to ensure that adults with autism in Cheadle and across the country can access the support they need.

After the event, Mark 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. I hope I can count on the support of local people in Cheadle to get behind the National Autistic Society's 'Push for Action' campaign, so that we can improve life for adults with the condition."

Mark Lever, Chief Executive for the National Autistic Society, said:

"Many 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.

"Decision makers from Whitehall to town halls must make adults with autism a priority again so that support is put in place for all who need it.

"The Government's Autism Act review gives people with autism a second chance to be heard - we need to make it count."