New Autism Act statutory guidance issued

Today the Government published new statutory guidance setting what local authorities and NHS bodies have to do to meet the needs of adults with autism in their area. The new guidance was created to implement the updated adult autism strategy for England (Think Autism), a key requirement of the Autism Act.  

Responding, Mark Lever, Chief Executive of the National Autistic Society (NAS), said: "The updated statutory guidance has the potential to transform support and services for adults with autism. It's now up to local councils and the NHS to make sure they fully implement the guidance so they can meet the needs of the estimated 460,000 adults with autism in England.
 
"Many people with autism need help to do things that others take for granted such as cook a meal or manage money, yet NAS research shows that 7 in 10 don't get the support they need from social services. Meanwhile, health and care professionals told us they need more information about the types of service and support they have to provide.
 
"We had real concerns about the weak wording used in an earlier draft of this guidance, but following our campaigning, this has been strengthened. This updated guidance provides local authorities and NHS bodies with much needed clarity about what they have to do to meet the needs of adults with autism, as well as the training that health and social care professionals need to make this happen. It also includes new information to help them meet their responsibilities around employment and criminal justice, where we know people with autism often face great difficulties.
 
"Many areas in England have been working to improve their services for adults with autism but progress remains patchy. Local politicians and commissioners must step up to their responsibilities and implement this guidance fully, ending the postcode lottery that leaves too many adults without the support they need."