§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What consideration they are giving to the findings of the National Autistic Society's recent survey of adults with autism and Asperger syndrome and their carers entitled Ignored or Ineligible? The Reality for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders; and whether there is any action they will take to improve levels of support for them.[HL156]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath)Ignored or Ineligible covers a broad range of issues and its recommendations are being carefully considered. I met with representatives of the National Autistic Society on 2 July. My ministerial colleague, Ms Jacqui Smith, is meeting them shortly. They also met with Department of Health officials on 6 July.
The implementation of the Government White Paper Valuing People will improve services for people with autism who also have a learning disability. It does not preclude other people with autism from using learning disability services where they find them helpful.
By bringing together health, social care and education agencies we will also have the scope to improve opportunities and services for people on the autistic spectrum.
72WAPeople with autistic spectrum disorders will benefit from more general initiatives such as the NHS Plan, Quality Protects and the Mental Health and Children's National Service Frameworks.