In 2007, we carried out a survey of adults with autism and their families, asking them about the support they receive or would like to receive. We also surveyed local authorities and Community Health Partnerships (CHPs).

The results reveal a stark and often desperate reality, where the majority of adults with autism are not receiving the support and services they need. 

  • 51% of adults with autism have experienced problems in receiving support from their local authority or health board
  • 56% of aults are currently receiving any services, despite there being a clear and ongoing need for more support
  • 31% of adults with autism have experienced severe mental health problems due to  a lack of support
  • 82% of parents are worried about their son's or daughter's future when they are no longer able to support them
  • 37% of adults have had no contact at all with a social worker or support worker since reaching adulthood
  • 51% of adults would like to receive social skills support but only 14% receive it.


Everyone with autism is different; however, many of the barriers that people face are the same. It is these barriers that I Exist aims to break down.

The Scottish Government, local authorities and community health partnerships (CHPs) do not how many adults with autism there are in Scotland. Staff who carry out assessments or provide social care support are often not trained in autism and many adults with autism do not fulfil local authorities' criteria for support.

For adults with autism to fulfil their potential the Scottish Government, local authorities and CHPs must give priority to autism, remove the barriers to support that people face and strive to understand and meet the needs of adults with autism, which have been ignored for too long.

For more information, or to request copies of campaign materials, telephone 0141 2857108 or email campaignscotland@nas.org.uk

Campaign demands

  • Count me in
    The Scottish Government, local authorities and community health partnerships do not know how many adults with autism live in their area. As a result, these adults are invisible to local services.
  • Understand my needs
    There is a lack of training and awareness of autism, and services are structured in a way that often excludes people with autism.
  • Meet my needs
    A lack of appropriate support can have a devastating effect on the lives of adults with autism and their families. All adults with autism should receive support to meet their individual needs.


Read the I Exist campaign demands in Scotland in full.