What the Autumn Statement means for autistic people – NAS

Last week, the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, laid out the Government’s plans for spending. He promised that disability benefits would rise in line with inflation, and that additional funding would be made available to health, social care and education.

This funding is welcome, but it is just a drop in the ocean considering the social care system has been in a dire state for years. There are still long delays to getting a diagnosis and support. Meanwhile, more autistic people are reaching crisis point and ending up stuck in mental health hospitals.

This is a scandal. We are urging the Government to set out how this funding will be used to:

• End the mental health crisis for autistic people
• Fulfil the commitments they set out in the autism strategy to reduce waiting times for a diagnosis
• Fix the SEND system.

At a time when many people are struggling, autistic people and their families must not be forgotten. We will be in touch soon about you can help us to keep pushing for change. Together, we can create a world that works for autistic people.

Best wishes,
Beth, Campaigns Team