Media response: BBC documentary 'When a mother's love is not enough'

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Recent articles of specific interest to journalists.

Position statement: autism and the MMR vaccine

The National Autistic Society's (NAS) statement on autism and the MMR vaccine.

Media response: new research on autism prevalence

New research carried out by the Autism Resource Centre suggests there may be many people with autism who are currently undiagnosed and in need of support, highlighting the need for better diagnostic services.

News and events

News from The National Autistic Society; autism in the news around the UK; information for journalists

What to say (and not to say) about autism

We encourage journalists to use positive language about autism and to check that copy is in line with the following guidelines. Includes guidelines on the correct pronunciation of 'Asperger'.

Press releases - May 2009

Media response: the Budget 2009

As the 2009 Budget approaches, The National Autistic Society (NAS) urges the Chancellor not to ignore the 300,000 working age adults with autism, many of whom say they are teetering on the brink of poverty.

News and events

News and events from the NAS Greater Manchester Service.

Position statement: education and inclusion

Autism is a spectrum disorder, and this wide spectrum of needs requires a wide spectrum of educational provision, including mainstream schools, special schools, specialist units attached to mainstream schools and residential provision.

Press releases - April 2009

Statistics: how many people have autistic spectrum disorders?

Estimated prevalence and population statistics.

Media response: Select Committee Inquiry on the DWP Commissioning Strategy

The NAS today echoed the Select Committee's call for increased funding and voiced concern that the Government's strategy for commissioning employment support may only serve to further exclude the over 300,000 working age adults with autism from the workplace.

Media response: Sir Alan Steer's report into SEN and behaviour in schools

The NAS has welcomed Sir Alan Steer's emphasis on the need for early identification of special educational needs. Many children with autism are currently failed by the school system because of a lack of understanding and awareness of the condition.

Media response: second reading of the Welfare Reform Bill

The Welfare Reform Bill had its second reading on 27 January. We have voiced concern that new legislation could actually damage the employment prospects of working age adults with autism in the long term.

Media statement: Gary McKinnon

The NAS is involved in the case of Gary McKinnon, a man with Asperger syndrome who is appealing against extradition to the US on charges of hacking into US government computers. Mr McKinnon's application for a Judicial Review was granted by the High Court on Friday 23 January.

Media statement: Gary McKinnon case

Statement on NAS involvement in the case of Gary McKinnon, a man with Asperger syndrome who is appealing against extradition to the United States, where he will face charges of hacking into US government computer systems.

Media Centre

A quick guide for journalists to some of the most relevant resources on our website.

Media response: Welfare Reform White Paper

The NAS has voiced concerns that toughening up conditions on benefits could mean people with autism face hefty sanctions, rather than getting the specialist support they need to succeed in employment.

Media response: Announcement of Welfare Reform Bill in the Queen's speech

The NAS today voiced concern over the announcement of the Welfare Reform Bill in the Queen's speech.

Position statement: brain tissue donation

The NAS does not make any recommendations to our members about whether they should take part in brain tissue donation or not, as we believe this is a personal decision. However, we have taken active steps to make our members aware of such research.

Media response: pre-natal screening for autism

The NAS welcomes research into all areas which may further our understanding of autism, but it is vital that the information gained from any research is handled responsibly.

Media response: Government plan for children with communication needs

Children with autism have won recognition in the announcement of an action plan to improve speech and language provision for children with communication needs. The National Autistic Society (NAS) strongly welcomed the move.

LEGO® helps social development of children with autism

The National Autistic Society (NAS) and LEGO® UK welcome independent research published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders which demonstrates LEGO toys may be able to help children who have autism (including Asperger syndrome), overcome social interaction difficulties.

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Media response: link between advanced maternal age and autism

The National Autistic Society (NAS) response to the University of California Davis study into the link between advanced maternal age and autism.

Press releases - February 2010

Media response: the sentencing of two men for the murder of Louise Evans

Benet Middleton, NAS spokesperson, said: "Following the sentencing of two men for the murder of Louise Evans, a young woman with Asperger syndrome, the thoughts and sympathies of everyone at The National Autistic Society go out to her family."

Media response: research on how brain imaging may help in the diagnosis of autism

The initial findings of this small scale study by the Philadelphia Children's Hospital are useful. However, much more research needs to be done before this could be used as a standard tool to identify autism.

Media responses 2010

Press releases - January 2010

Press releases 2010

Media response: egg donation by people with family history of autism

The NAS is aware of the experience of Helen Keeler who was turned down as a potential egg donor by four hospital fertility programmes, apparently as a result of having a child with autism.

Media response: the Lamb Inquiry

The NAS has said today that unless the Government ensures local authorities comply with the law, changes proposed in the Lamb Inquiry will not make the difference that parents of children with SEN desperately need.

Media response: atypical neural self-representation in autism

Dr. Gina Gómez de la Cuesta, Action Research Leader from The National Autistic Society, has responded to the Autism Research Centre's study into atypical neural self-representation in autism.

Press releases - December 2009

Media response: People with autism ignored in Care Quality Commission report

The National Autistic Society has today criticised the Care Quality Commission's report for ignoring the many thousands of people with autism, in their first assessment of the state of adult social care in England.

Press releases - November 2009

Media response: BBC documentary 'When a mother's love is not enough'

The National Autistic Society urges the Government and local agencies to prioritise the needs of those affected by autism. In a recent NAS report, 35% of carers stated that what had helped them most was support from other parents and carers. Just 5% cited their local authority.

NAS statement: Gary McKinnon judgement from High Court

A High Court ruling announced today has refused Gary McKinnon the right to appeal to the UK Supreme Court. Gary has Asperger syndrome and is facing extradition to the US to face trial for hacking into US Government computers.

Press releases - August 2009

Media statement: High Court hears second Judicial Review of Gary McKinnon case

A second judicial review takes place today into the case of Gary McKinnon, a man with Asperger syndrome facing extradition to the US for hacking into Government computer systems.

News and events

News from The National Autistic Society; autism in the news around the UK; information for journalists