One in one hundred people has autism yet the services and support available to them and their carers are woefully inadequate. All too often autism is not properly understood as a distinct condition and the needs of people affected by autism are not recognised. The impact of this on individuals can be devastating and it also has a wide social impact. Research suggests that autism is costing the UK £27.5 billion pounds a year - a cost which could be vastly reduced if the right support was in place.
On World Autism Awareness Day, 2 April 2009, we want everyone to stand up for autism and help make sure that:
* people with autism are not unfairly discriminated against and their rights as people with disabilities as well as citizens are promoted
* the numbers of people with autism are known and inform the provision of services and support
* adequate research funds are made available to increase our understanding of autism and appropriate interventions and support
* that those providing services and support have an adequate understanding of autism
* that resources are made available to support those living with autism
* that public awareness of autism is raised to help remove social barriers for those living with autism.
http://www.autismspeaks.org.uk/waad/
