Merton Council praised for autism support (From Your Local Guardian)

Merton Council praised for autism support

8:40am Tuesday 9th December 2008 in

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Autism sufferers are receiving chart topping support from Merton Council, according to a new report.

Research by the National Autistic Society (NAS) has found the council is the only local authority in Britain to know how many adults with the condition were living within its boundaries.

Merton was also praised for having a dedicated officer responsible for helping sufferers. The borough topped a table, released by the charity on December 4, rating councils’ efforts to help people with the condition.

Mark Lever, chief executive of the society, said: “We strongly welcome the good practice of those local authorities who are working hard to transform the lives of adults with autism and their families.”

Councillor Linda Scott, cabinet member for housing, adult care and health, said the confidential register that it operates jointly with Sutton and Merton PCT helps the council to better plan services for residents with learning disabilities and has been held up as one of the best in the country.

“People with autism have very specific needs and this data helps us to respond to those needs effectively,” she said.

“We're very proud of the services we offer in this area and we hope that other local authorities will be able to draw upon some of our ideas.”

The NAS report was released as part of the charity’s I Exist campaign, which aims to highlight a lack of support for adults with autism.

Earlier this year the Access Centre, a support unit for pupils with autism at Raynes Park High School, was highly praised by school inspectors for its success in helping children with the condition.

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