In February 2008 The National Autistic Society (NAS) launched the 'I Exist' campaign. The campaign was based on a survey of over 1,400 adults with autism and parents/carers, as well as in-depth interviews with adults with autism and surveys of Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) and local authorities.
The research found that:
- 63% of adults with autism do not have the support to meet their needs
- over 60% of these people believe that with more support their general health would improve
- 33% of adults with autism have experienced severe mental health problems because of a lack of support
- 67% of adults with autism have experienced anxiety because of a lack of support.
What we’re doing
After our campaigning through the I Exist campaign and the Autism Act, the Government produced a national strategy for adults with autism called Fulfilling and rewarding lives.
The strategy sets out a number of actions to improve the mental and physical health of adults with autism. This includes recommending specialist autism teams in each local area, and autism training for healthcare professionals.