Local MP Lembit Öpik Welcomes Adult Autism Strategy

3.28.40pm GMT Tue 9th Mar 2010

Local MP Lembit Öpik has helped to bring about changes which could transform local support for hundreds of people with autism in Montgomeryshire. Along with the National Autistic Society, Lembit has been calling for dramatic improvements in health, social care and other public services for people with autism through backing the adult autism strategy published on the 3rd March 2010.

Lembit also lent his support to the Autism Act which gives the strategy legal force. This means local authorities and NHS services who fail to provide support for people with autism will be breaking the law.

Lembit said; "We have got to tackle the ignorance and inequality routinely experienced by people with autism. This vitally important strategy is the first stage and I'm delighted people with autism have won the recognition they need and deserve. Now, I'd like to see that local services get the support they need to drive these changes and really make a difference on the ground for people affected by the condition."

The three year strategy, Fulfilling and rewarding lives, comes in response to NAS research revealing at least 1 in 3 adults with autism are experiencing serious mental health difficulties due to a lack of support.

Mark Lever, chief executive of the NAS, said; "We are delighted to have the support of Lembit Öpik MP. This long awaited strategy is the first step to ensuring adults with autism will be able to enjoy the same rights and freedoms as the rest of society. Crucially, the strategy recognises the importance of specialist autism teams which we know are extremely successful at driving improvements in autism support. So now the next step will be to translate the strategy into decisive action at a local level - this momentous opportunity to transform the lives of people with autism and their families must not be wasted."

The delivery plan for the strategy, which will be published by the 31st March 2010 will set out the priorities for the first year and provide support for the NHS and local authorities to deliver the strategy locally.

The adult autism strategy calls for a new programme to develop training with health and social care professional bodies, autism awareness training for all Jobcentre Plus Disability Employment Advisers, improved access to diagnosis and guidance to make public services accessible for adults with autism."