The National Autistic Society (NAS) has welcomed Robert Buckland MP's ten-minute rule bill to improve the lives of people with autism.
The bill urges the secretary of state to commission a NICE quality standard for autism, which would greatly improve the level of care many people with autism currently receive.
This NICE Quality Standard, which would be developed in collaboration with the NHS and social care professionals, is a set of specific, concise guidelines that act as markers of high-quality, cost-effective care. The standard would cover identification, referral, diagnosis, post-diagnostic support and interventions, as well as support for co-occurring mental health problems for adults and children with autism.
Mark Lever, chief executive of the NAS, said:
"All too often we hear from families who are sent from pillar to post whilst seeking appropriate services. The longer they have to wait, the longer it takes for them to get the right support in place, which can have a negative impact on the whole family and lead to more costly services and support being required later in life.
"We urge Andrew Lansley to support the development of the NICE Quality Standard, which would achieve the three key ambitions that the government itself has set out to improve the lives of those with autism. These include making reasonable adjustments to services to meet the needs of adults with autism, improving the diagnostic process, and ensuring all local authorities have records of how many adults with autism live in the area. Putting the right support in place can mean the difference between an independent and fulfilling life or a life of difficulty and escalating health problems."
You can view an article by Robert Buckland MP on his ten-minute rule bill here.
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd