I Exist campaign news

Read about the latest updates and successes from our I Exist campaign. Thanks to everyone who's taken action so far and helped us to tell local authorities and national governments about the needs of adults with autism.

News and major successes so far include:

• Department of Health appoints new specialist advisor for autism
  The Department of Health has appointed Elaine Hill as its new Specialist Advisor for Autism. Elaine's responsibilities in her new role will be to lead the development of the first ever adult autism strategy.
• Government makes landmark commitment in response to the I Exist campaign
  We are delighted that the Government has listened to The National Autistic Society and our supporters and has announced a major commitment to improving the lives of adults with autism.
• Wales: the ASD strategic action plan
  The Welsh Assembly Government published its ASD strategic action plan in 2008. This sets out how services will be delivered to people affected by autism in Wales and specifically mentions the needs of adults.
• Scotland: helping to meet adults' needs
  The Scottish Government has published new guidance to help meet the needs of adults with autism.
• Northern Ireland: the Autism Action Plan
  Launched in June 2009, the Autism Action Plan prioritises the need to develop new and improved services for adults with autism and aims to ensure a more effective transition from child to adult services.
• Local authority support for adults with autism
  We asked all local authorities in England and Wales if they have a system in place to record the number of adults with autism in their area and if they have appointed a named individual or team with responsibility for autism. Read authorities' responses in our progress tables for England and Wales.
• First ever guide for professionals who assess the needs of adults with autism
  We have produced a new, free guide for social care professionals, in partnership with the British Association of Social Workers. Request your copy at www.autism.org.uk/socialcare
• I Exist podcast and blogs launched 
  Three adults with autism are writing blogs for us and Paul Wady, an adult with Asperger syndrome who works for the NAS, has produced a campaign podcast.
• First ever Bill about adults with autism introduced to Parliament
  The Autism Bill is now progressing through Parliament and the Government has affirmed its commitment to supporting people affected by autism.