Autism campaign stepped up
CAMPAIGNERS from four Hampshire branches of The National Autistic Society (NAS) are joining forces to call for more help for adults with autism who are isolated and ignored, unable to access the support they need, and often completely dependent on their families.
These are the findings of the NAS I Exist report, which will be presented by the Basingstoke, East Hants, Hart & Rushmoor and Eastleigh & Winchester branches of the NAS tomorrow (May 14) at the Arc Centre in Basingstoke.
The I Exist campaign reveals that nearly two thirds of adults with autism in England do not have enough support.
As Sue, a Hampshire mother of an adult with autism, who will be speaking at the event said: "Autism is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition that affects adults as well as children, yet many adults with the condition struggle to access the help they so desperately need. It does not have to be like this - I Exist' is the message from adults with autism who want their needs understood and the barriers to support removed. The right help at the right time can have a profound effect"
Other speakers at the event include Matthew Ansell, an adult with autism, and Karen Templeton-Mepstead from the Hampshire Autistic Society.
Jane Vaughan, NAS South East Regional Co-ordinator said: "It is totally unacceptable that so many adults with autism feel isolated and ignored and don't get the help they are entitled to; we want to see the right services and support in place so people with autism can reach their true potential. I urge people in Hampshire to visit www.think-differently.org.uk and support the campaign - please help us put pressure on local and national government to do more to transform the lives of adults with autism."
Based on the largest ever survey on the experiences of adults with autism and their families in England, the I Exist report found that:
* Nearly two thirds of adults with autism do not have enough support to meet their needs.
* 92 per cent of parents are worried about their son or daughter's future when they are no longer able to care for them.
* 61 per cent of adults with autism rely on their family financially and 40% live with their parents.
* 60 per cent of parents believed that a lack of support has led to higher support needs later on.
* At least one in three adults with autism are experiencing severe mental health difficulties due to a lack of support.
The event takes place at 6.30pm-8.30pm on Wednesday, May 14 at The Ark Centre, North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke RG24 9NA. The public are welcome to attend.
The four Hampshire branches of the NAS are calling on people in the area to join the campaign and get involved by visiting www.think-differently.org.uk, emailing thinkdifferently@nas.org.uk or calling 020 7923 5799.
10:18am Tuesday 13th May 2008
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