16th March 2009

Local MP Stands up for autism

Stephen Ladyman, the MP for South Thanet, is supporting World Autism Awareness Day on 2nd April and joining with UK autism charities, including the National Autistic Society (NAS), in standing up for local people affected by the condition.

Organised by the UN and with the theme of ‘Stand Up for Autism’, World Autism Awareness Day brings together autism organisations all around the world and gives a voice to the millions of individuals who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help. All too often autism is not properly understood as a distinct condition and the needs of people affected by this complex disability are not recognised.

Stephen said: "I’ve been campaigning to improve support for autistic people for many years and one thing I have learned is that the number of people who are on the autistic spectrum is a lot higher than most of our public agencies think and if we are underestimating the number of people who need support then it is certain we are under-funding those services. Every week I hear about autistic people whose needs are not recognised, who are facing discrimination or who need our support and are not getting it."

Stephen set up the All Party Parliamentary Group on Autism in 2001 and was its first chair. "The group has raised awareness of autism in Parliament and the needs of autistic people are now better recognised by Government. Unfortunately, that is not always translating to better local services and that is what we need to get Councils and local NHS Trusts to recognise. ‘Stand up for Autism’ day is about filling the gap between the support autistic people need and what they get, not just in Kent and in the UK, but all around the world."

On World Autism Awareness Day, autism organisations from across the UK, including the National Autistic Society, will be working together to raise awareness of the condition to ensure that:

people with autism are not unfairly discriminated against and their rights as people with disabilities as well as citizens are promoted

autism is properly recognised as a distinct condition

the numbers with autism are known and inform the provision of services and support

adequate research funds are made available to enable understanding of autism and develop appropriate interventions and support 

that those providing services and support across public services have adequate understanding of autism

that resources are made available to support those living with autism

that public awareness of autism is raised to help remove social barriers for those living with autism

For more information please visit: www.autism.org.uk/waad.

You can follow the campaign online, by visiting:

You Tube - http://www.youtube.com/user/WorldAutismDay

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/World-Autism-Awareness-Day-Stand-up-for-autism

Twitter - http://twitter.com/WorldAutismDay

 ENDS

Stephen Ladyman MP, 01843 852696,

or email stephenladymanmp@souththanetlabour.org.uk

For further information, interview or images, please call the NAS Press Office on 020 7903 3593 or email: press@nas.org.uk

Notes to editors:

In December 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution which declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD). A coalition of 20 UK charities are working together to promote WAAD: Autism Alliance UK , Autism Anglia , Autism Cymru, Autism Initiatives UK, Autism London, Autism NI, Autism Speaks, Autism West Midlands, Disabilities Trust, Hampshire Autistic Society, Kingwood, The National Autistic Society, PEAT, Priors Court Foundation, Research Autism, Scottish Society for Autism, Sussex Autistic Community Trust, TreeHouse, The Wessex Autistic Society, UK Autism Foundation.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language.

Cheryl Gillan’s Autism Bill is backed by The National Autistic Society, Wirral Autistic Society, Autism Research Centre, TreeHouse, Hampshire Autistic Society, Staffordshire Adults Autistic Society, Research Autism, Autism Anglia, The Wessex Autistic Society, Autism Education Trust, Autism Speaks and Autism West Midlands.

The National Autistic Society (NAS) is the UK's leading charity for people with autism and their families.  Founded in 1962, it continues to spearhead national and international initiatives and provide a strong voice for all people with autism. The NAS provides a wide range of services to help people with autism and Asperger syndrome live their lives with as much independence as possible.

The NAS relies on the support of its members and donors to continue its vital work for people with autism. To become a member, make a donation or to find out more about the work of the NAS, visit the NAS website www.autism.org.uk .

For more information about autism and for help in your area, call the NAS Autism Helpline on: 0845 070 4004 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday, (local rates apply).

The NAS Autism Services Directory is the UK’s most comprehensive directory of services and events for people with autism. Visit www.autism.org.uk/autismdirectory to find autism services and support networks in your area.