Parliamentary autism group calls for better transition support
Joe Lepper
Monday, June 8, 2009
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Autism is calling on councils to improve the support they give young people with autism as they make the transition into adulthood.
Its latest report, which is released today (June 9), concludes that councils and health services are failing to provide adequate transitional support.
The report echoes the view of the National Autistic Society (NAS), which advises the group.
Mark Lever, NAS chief executive, said: "Many young people with autism have a great deal to offer, but just as they should be looking forward to a bright future, many find themselves abandoned by the services that should be there to support them."
The report calls for better partnerships between children's and adult social services, particularly around education and employment. The report says a lack of support can lead to mental health problems.
This latest report follows a damning National Audit Office report released earlier this week on council support for young people with autism, which found less than half of councils knew how many children with autism with a statement of special educational needs had completed a transition plan.
Poor leadership and relationships between services were other problems highlighted by transition managers interviewed by the National Audit Office.
