Position statements

The causes of autism are still being investigated. We welcome research into all areas which may further our understanding of autism.

As the nature of autism is so complex, many interventions have been developed over the years and many competing claims made for their effectiveness.

Autism is a spectrum disorder, and this wide spectrum of needs requires a wide spectrum of educational provision, including mainstream schools, special schools, specialist units attached to mainstream schools and residential provision.

We recognise that the weight of epidemiological evidence indicates that there is no statistically significant link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

On occasions when a person with autism comes to the attention of the police and other services it is normally a result of their social and communication difficulties being misunderstood and because they are not given appropriate support.

We do not make any recommendations to our members about whether they should take part in brain tissue donation or not, as we believe this is a personal decision. However, we have taken active steps to make our members aware of such research.