Norman Lamb MP

Minister of State (Care and Support)

Department of Health

Richmond House

79 Whitehall

London SW1A 2NS

Date: 19^th February 2014.

Ref: ML.N0037.AR.19.02.14

Dear Norman,

I am writing to you regarding the forthcoming publication of the revised Adult Autism Strategy.  I have been contacted by a number of constituents who are extremely concerned about the Strategy as it stands.  Many have family members with autism and stress that their whole futures depend on this publication.

The passing of the Autism Act in 2009 was an immense triumph for people with autism, and their families. However, implementation of the Act has been patchy and while some areas have taken the right steps to reform services for adults with autism, others are lagging behind significantly.  In a recent survey, 92% of adults with autism (or parents and carers responding on their behalf) said they needed some degree of support.  Yet 70% said they were not receiving the support they needed from social services.

The National Autistic Society (NAS) has highlighted two particular areas of concern that have yet to be addressed by the Department of Health.  These include:

• The introduction of an innovation fund to encourage the development of new and innovative models of provision for people with autism by a local authority that can be shared with other areas.
• The introduction of a community based awareness raising scheme.

I urge you to consider investing in an innovation fund and the development of a community based awareness raising scheme as the NAS recommends. In the meantime, please be assured I will be lobbying my local authority to ensure they meet their responsibilities too.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Caroline Lucas, MP, Brighton Pavilion