Autism Awareness Campaign: Gordon Brown must tackle Autism Issues

Ivan Corea said in London: 'We are urging Gordon Brown to take a long hard look at the Autism Report which we submitted to Her Majesty's Government and support the call of parents, carers and people with autism for a national strategy for autism and a 10 year plan of action.'

Autism campaigners are calling on Gordon Brown to launch a building program of specialist autism schools - there is a great deal of talk about Academies so campaigners for Specialist Autism Academies and SEN Academies and a halt to the closure of special schools. Numbers of children with autism is rising so supply is outweighing demand. There is a need for local education authorities to lanch a building program of autism schools open to all.

The Autism Awareness Campaign UK are also calling on the Government to build autism unit in mainstream schools to support thousands of children who were given admission under the inclusion program. Many children are suffering without access to proper education services under inclusion - teachers and classroom assistants also need on-going training on autism. There are no further education and higher education programs for young people with autism.

There is also an urgent need for an AUTISM COMPACT with employers to open the door to employment for people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome. The Autism Awareness Campaign UK are calling on Gordon Brown to deliver on public services including employment opportunities through a national strategy for people with autism.

Support for the Awareness Campaign UK came from parliamentarians of all parties who are signing an early day motion on autism in the House of Commons - EDM 1359.

Lee Scott MP who has been championing the cause of autism in the Palace of Westminster is also pressing Gordon Brown to act decisively on autism. Scott launched an important debate on autism in Westminster Hall in March this year. Lee Scott MP for Ilford North and Ivan Corea of the Autism Awareness Campaign UK met with the Prime Minister Tony Blair on 25th April in the House of Commons.

'We are appealing to Gordon Brown to act on autism, he has promised to listen to the people and surely this must include the voices of parents, carers and all people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome,' said Ivan Corea.