Autism Act makes a difference in Bolton

A man from Bolton has been able to access a diagnostic assessment for autism as a result of the Autism Act.

Matthew, 35, had shown signs of autism throughout his life but had never been able to access an assessment. Without a diagnosis, Matthew was struggling to access the support he needed. 

His family contacted Irwin Mitchell Solicitors who wrote to the NHS in Bolton, arguing that their policy was discriminatory and went against the Autism Act statutory guidance, which sets out that every area in England should have a pathway to diagnosis for adults with suspected autism.

Subsequently, NHS Bolton offered Matthew an assessment, which found that he had Asperger syndrome, a form of autism. Matthew has since been offered support in the community. So, thanks to the Autism Act, he has been able to access the support he needs. NHS Bolton has also checked its policy on autism, and a pathway for diagnosis is now in place.

Getting a diagnosis can be crucially important: not only can it give access to the right support, but it can help people to understand why they may never have quite 'fitted in'. However, research carried out by The National Autistic Society (NAS) as part of our Push for Action campaign has shown that only 63 out of 152 local authorities in England have an autism diagnosis pathway in place.  

Push for Action calls on all local authorities to implement the strategy. To help make sure that all local authorities implement the adult autism strategy, visit our campaign website.