NAS response to the Autumn Statement

"The Autumn Statement offers little to families living with disabilities already feeling the pinch of spending cuts.

“If the Government is serious about improving living standards, it needs to invest in the social care system now so that people with autism and other disabilities can be supported to live as independently as possible.

“Longer term thinking is needed in order to address the significant shortfall in social care funding, which is leaving many vulnerable people without vital day-to-day support.

"This is not only the right thing to do but would also result in significant savings for the public purse. The National Audit Office (NAO) found that if local services identified and supported just 4% of adults with high functioning autism and Asperger syndrome the outlay would become cost neutral over time. If they did the same for just 8% it could save the Government £67 million each year.

"With the right support some people with autism can live relatively ‘everyday’ lives but due to the squeeze on Local Authority funding, too many people are being forced to rely on parents and families to pick up the shortfall. The Government needs to invest in social care now to ensure that some of the most vulnerable members of society have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”