Autism Act Enacted

Posted by Mary Ann Holmes in News | 1 comment

 

Legal history was made today when The Autism Bill passed it final stage in the House of Lords becoming England’s first ever disability specific law. The law will ensure that those with Autism must be provided support by social care and health care services, not doing so could mean facing legal action. The bill was started by the NAS, The National Autistic Society and was taken through Parliament by Conservative MP Cheryl Gillan and backed by 16 Autism organisations.

 

 

Mark Lever, chief executive of the NAS, said; “Thousands of adults with autism told us they were experiencing serious mental health difficulties due to a lack of support. After a year of lobbying, this is the watershed moment they have been waiting for – this law could literally transform lives. It will add serious weight to the forthcoming adult autism strategy so now we’ll be keeping the pressure up on Government to make sure they get it right and deliver lasting change for people with this serious, lifelong and disabling condition.”

Once the bill is given royal assent it will become the Autism Act and will be legally enforceable.

 Cheryl Gillan MP said; “I’d like to thank everyone for their support. It is extremely rare that a Private Members’ Bill goes on to become law, so this is a triumph for people with autism and their families. It’s a real testament to the overwhelming level of parliamentary support for this chronically excluded group. I hope it will make the crucial difference in their lives that people with autism need and deserve.”

Mark Lever added; “We’d like to thank Cheryl Gillan MP and the thousands of autism campaigners, MPs and peers for their support – together we have made legal history.”

To learn more about the bill and the NAS visit their website at – http://www.autism.org.uk/

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