The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman Lamb)
In line with duties under the Autism Act 2009, the Department of Health is currently leading a review of progress in relation to the 2010 adult autism strategy for England “Fulfilling and rewarding lives” and its related statutory guidance.
The adult autism strategy is an essential step towards realising the Government’s long-term vision for transforming the lives of and outcomes for adults with autism. The Department of Health is the lead policy Department for implementation of the strategy but with delivery shared across a range of Government Departments and agencies, and local health and social service providers, who have the freedom and responsibility to decide how best to design and deliver services for their local populations.
The autism strategy has five areas for action aimed at improving the lives of adults with autism:
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; and
enabling local partners to develop relevant services.
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.
The review is an opportunity for us across 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. We will issue a report after the investigative stage of the review which will last until the end of October, on revising the strategy as necessary by March 2014.
The National Autistic Society’s (NAS) “Push for Action” campaign coincides with the review and has a central thrust on local implementation. We are working with NAS and other key partners to ensure that the voices of people with autism and their families and carers are heard during the review and there will be a range of opportunities for people to feed in. I would welcome views and input from hon. Members and their constituents during these processes.