The Minister described the strategy as "an essential step towards realising the Government's long term vision for transforming the lives of and outcomes for adults with autism".
It is focused on five key areas:
- increasing awareness and understanding of autism
- developing clear, consistent pathways for the diagnosis of autism
- improving access for adults with autism to services and support
- helping adults with autism into work
- enabling local partners to develop relevant services.
The Minister added:
"The strategy is not just about putting in place statutory autism services but about enabling equal access for people with autism to support and opportunities through reasonable adjustments to everyday services, training and awareness raising."
He emphasised that the review is an opportunity for the Government "to assess whether the objectives of the strategy remain fundamentally the right ones, to take an honest look at what progress is being achieved by local authorities and the NHS, and consider what should happen to continue to make progress".
Finally, he urged fellow MPs as well as people affected by autism to make their views heard as part of the review process.
There is a unique opportunity between now and the end of October 2013, when the investigative stage of the review will conclude. Adults with autism, families, professionals and MPs can start by visiting the NAS' Push for Action website to see what steps their local council says it has taken and what you can do to get involved.
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