North Wiltshire MP, James Gray, has backed the National Autistic Society's campaign to stop adults with autism being written-off by the employment and benefits system. According to a new report by the National Autistic Society, a third of people with autism currently live without a job and without benefits.
"People with autism have so much to offer, but all too often those who want to work are unable to get the help and support they need to fulfil their full potential. It is, therefore, absolutely crucial that individuals suffering from serious, lifelong and disabling conditions such as autism who are able to work get all the necessary help, while those unable to work are adequately cared for," said James Gray.
Research for the Don't write me off report found:
• Almost 80 per cent of people with autism on Incapacity Benefit want to work;
• Over a third said their Disability Employment Advisor's knowledge of autism was "very bad" or "bad";
• Half of people with autism have spent time with neither a job nor benefits with over three quarters of those forced to rely on family and friends as a result;
• Over 82 per cent needed some kind of help to apply for benefits, but few were made aware of their right to an advocate. In the worst cases parents were actively blocked from helping.
To find out more about the campaign, visit: www.autism.org.uk/dontwritemeoff
