Supporting people with autism through adulthood
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
Supporting people with autism through adulthood
（Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General / Comptroller and Auditor General）（HC, 556 . Session 2008-2009）
Stationery Office, c2009
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Note
"5 June 2009"
"Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed on 4 June 2009"
At head of title: National Audit Office
Description and Table of Contents
Description
Autism, which includes Asperger syndrome, is a lifelong condition that affects the way in which people interact with the world around them. There are estimated to be 400,000 adults with autism in England, many of whom may require specialised support. The National Audit Office found that most NHS organisations and local authorities do not know how many people with autism there are in the areas they serve, and that three quarters of local authorities do not have a specific commissioning strategy for adults with autism. Other National Audit Office conclusions and recommendations include: GPs and social care staff have low awareness of autism and how to diagnose it, with 80 per cent of GPs surveyed reporting that they need additional guidance and training in order to identify and treat patients with autism more effectively. Around 200,000 adults with autism do not have a learning disability. This group often fails to secure appropriate support, as health and social care services are traditionally configured for people with a learning disability, a physical illness or disability, or a mental health problem (which autism is not).
Three quarters of local authorities said adults with autism who do not meet eligibility criteria experience or report difficulties accessing the services they require. Almost two thirds felt that current services for adults with autism are limited. Providing specialised support could improve outcomes for this group of people and their carers, and potentially enhance value for money, as the costs of establishing such support could be outweighed over time by overall savings. There are few specialised employment support services for people with autism. A lack of understanding of autism is a significant barrier to gaining employment and more training is needed for those delivering employment support and those administering benefits.
by "Nielsen BookData"