BURSTOW HOSTS ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION ON AUTISM

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 29th Sep 2009

Local MP, Paul Burstow, hosted a discussion on the needs of people with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) at the Liberal Democrat Conference in Bournemouth last week.

The round table discussion was organised by the National Autistic Society (NAS) to discuss welfare reform. The table was made up of a mixture of people with ASD, carers and care professionals. Issues raised included a lack of early diagnosis and support, poor transitions from children to adult services, inflexibility in the benefit system, a lack of common objectives between the benefit, health and social care systems.

Mr Burstow backed the Autism Bill, a private members Bill, which will require more planning and coordination between central and local government agencies.

Commenting Paul Burstow MP said, "The NAS do a good job. It was clear from the round table discussion that people find the benefit system very inflexible. Funding such as access to work is poorly publicised. There was also real concern that talk of simplifying the system was really just code for withdrawing help.

"What is clear is that more needs to be done to ensure that people with ASD get the care and support they need."

ENDS