PM urged to invest in Autistic Children » Health » 24dash.com

The new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, is being urged to invest in the lives of Autistic Children in the UK.

Ivan Corea, who heads the Autism Awareness Campaign, recently met Gordon Brown on the campaign trail and asked him a question on disabilities and autism. Mr. Brown conceded that the Government needs to do more for all children with disabilities.

Mr. Corea said: "I appeal to Gordon Brown to provide a world education for all children with autism and Asperger's Syndrome, to provide new specialist autism schools, even Special Needs Academies and autism units equipped with sensory room in mainsteam primary and secondary schools; to provide young people with access to further education and higher education; to provide labour market opportunities for people with autism who are able to work. Equality of opportunity must include every single autistic child and adult in our country. They have a role to play in society, they can also contribute to the economy of our country."

Over 500,000 people in the UK are on the autism spectrum.  According to researchers 1 in 100 children may have the neuro-developmental disorder.

Recently Stephen Timms, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, wrote to the Autism Awareness Campaign detailing the actions taken by the Government where Autism was concerned. The Autism Awareness Campaign is calling for a cohesive national strategy on autism and a 10 year plan of action to help parents, carers and people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

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