I Exist campaign in Wales

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.

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

• 36% of adults with autism receive no support, as their local authorities have no appropriate services
• 76% of adults with autism felt that with more support they would be less isolated
• 49% of adults with autism have experienced mental health problems because of a lack of support
• 63% of adults with autism are not in receipt of a service as their local authorities do not have appropriate provision in place.
• 41% of adults with autism have been told they could not be provided with the support they need because they do not fit into existing service structures
• 87% of adults with autism rely on their family for financial support
• Less than 50% of adults with autism who have a care manager are happy with their understanding of autism.

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

The Welsh Assembly Government, local authorities and local health boards do not know how many adults with autism there are in Wales. Staff who carry out assessments or provide social care support are not trained in autism and many adults with autism do not meet local authorities' criteria for support.

For adults with autism to fulfil their potential the Assembly Government, local authorities and local health boards 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 our I Exist report, which is bilingual, an action pack or a postcard, telephone 02920 629 314 or email campaignwales@nas.org.uk

Campaign demands

• Count me in
  The Welsh Assembly Government, local authorities and local health boards do not know how many adults with autism there are in Wales. This makes it extremely difficult to plan and deliver the services that adults with autism need.
• Understand my needs
  Adults with autism are often unable to access support, or find that their needs are misunderstood and remain unmet. This can have serious implications for adults with autism and place great pressure on families.
• Meet my needs
  Adults with autism are not getting the support they need to live fulfilling lives. Some do receive a service, but it is not always the right service. Many more get no support at all.
• Lead the way
  The Welsh Assembly Government has made a commitment to people affected by autism in their ASD action plan. They must now ensure that the needs of adults with autism are considered in the delivery of this plan.

Read the I Exist campaign demands in Wales in full.