Dudley MP Ian Austin calls for better autism awareness

On the tenth anniversary of the Autism Act 2009, Dudley MP Ian Austin is calling for better Autism awareness.

The Act placed requirements on Ministers to publish an autism strategy and provided statutory guidance for local authorities and local health bodies on supporting the needs of people with autism.

The strategy focused on increasing awareness and understanding of autism; developing a clear pathway for diagnosis and personalised needs assessments; and helping people with autism into work.

Ian Austin said: 

“Securing an early diagnosis is fundamental to ensuring that people with autism, and their families, can access the right support.

“However, research from the NAS has found that people are waiting years for an autism diagnosis and a survey by Public Health England found that in one local authority waiting times stood at 125 weeks.

“That’s why I’m calling on the Government to improve diagnosis, treatment and support for people with autism, and put an end to social isolation to ensure that people with autism can access the whole of their community.”