National Autistic Society’s response to the Independent review into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism: interim report.
Mel Merritt, Interim Assistant Director of Policy, Research and Strategy at the National Autistic Society, said:
“This report makes one thing unmistakably clear: autistic people’s needs are not being met in education, employment or healthcare.
“We have been concerned from the outset that this review could fuel the increasingly polarised debate about autism. Unfortunately, we are now seeing exactly that. Too much attention is being placed on questioning people’s motivations for seeking a diagnosis, instead of recognising the very real distress that autistic people and their families experience – distress that is too often overlooked.
“We want to shift the conversation towards solutions that genuinely address unmet needs. It is essential that autistic people are meaningfully consulted as part of this Review. The Government must then set out a clear plan – particularly through the Autism Strategy – to ensure people get the right help at the right time, rather than too little, too late.”
