Government funds autism head count

The government is to research the number of adults with autism as part of a strategy to improve the planning of services for people with the condition.

Announcing the £500,000 research, care services minister Ivan Lewis (pictured) said people with autism were frequently abandoned or referred to mental health and learning difficulties services instead.

The research will also examine the needs of young people with autism as they move into adulthood.

Mr Lewis added: “One of the key gaps in our knowledge is simple - we don't know how many people have the condition in any given area. That is why I am ordering a study to address this.

“This study will inform the development of a national strategy designed to ensure that adults with autism aand Asperger’s syndrome are supported to have full lives.”

The National Autistic Society (NAS) has found that more than 60 per cent of adults with autism do not have enough support and that 40 per cent live at home and are dependent on their families for support.

NAS chief executive Mark Lever said: "We warmly welcome today's announcement from the Department of Health. Through our I Exist report, adults with autism told us they feel isolated and ignored. We are therefore delighted that the government has listened and is taking action."