To mark 50th birthday of The National Autistic Society, we commissioned the largest ever survey into autism, in order to show what life is like in the UK for people affected by the condition. Our new report, The way we are: autism in 2012, is based on the survey’s findings and is available to download for free below.
Thank you to all the people who took part in the survey and to those who shared their experiences with us. Interviews with some of these people are featured here.
Covering the wide range of autism experiences, from diagnosis and employment to school and independent living, the report shows that whilst there have been enormous strides in autism awareness since the NAS started life in 1962, there is still work to do. Some of it does make for difficult reading but for all the troubling experiences there are also many stories of hope and courage.
As we celebrate our 50th birthday and all that the NAS has achieved, this report reaffirms our commitment to working hard to ensure that all people affected by autism get the right support at the right time and are able to lead the lives that they choose.