UK Autism: Care Services Minister Phil Hope says 'We want to do More'

Minister Phil Hope writing to Ivan Corea of the UK Autism Foundation said: 'The DCSF is leading a complementary programme of work to improve provision for children with autism and their families. It will be increasing its funding for the Autism Education Trust in the coming financial year to support the Trust in working with local authorities and Primary Care Trusts to improve the commissioning of services for children with the condition. Subject to Royal Assent for the Apprentiships, Skills Children and Learning Bill, DCSF will be consulting on new statutory guidance for Children and Young People's Plans which clearly reflects the needs of disabled children, including those with autism. Phil Hope said this will ensure services in a range of areas - health, social care and education, for example - are all better tailored to the needs of autistic children.'

This programme is in addition to work with the Department of Health on transitions and work already being taken forward on developing in-service teacher training materials on autism, on bullying and exclusions of children with special education needs and short breaks.

This programme of work with children and young people with autism is now underpinned by the Child Health Strategy announced on 28th January by Ed Balls and Alan Johnson, which included further funding of £340 million to fund health services for disabled children, including children with autism with the most complex needs.

Ivan Corea said he welcomed the moves by the Minister to help parents, carers and the Autism Community. The UK Autism Foundation has been urging the British Government to end the postcode lottery to public services in education, health,specialist speech therapy and respite care in 2009. The Foundation has expressed concern that the vulnerable and the poor are suffering a great deal as a result of the economic downturn.

UKAF has called on Chancellor Alistair Darling to help the vulnerable and the marginalised by increasing Tax Credits, the Disability Living Allowance and the Carer's Allowance in the April 2009 Budget. Over 200 MPs of all parties in the House of Commons have signed three early day motions in Westminster backing UKAF's appeal on behalf of the poor.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown created history by writing for the first time on Autism when he contacted the UK Autism Foundation to reveal his Government's plans for autism.