Graham pushed a giant button as he pledged his support for a campaign aimed at improving the lives of adults with autism in Cheshire and across England. The National Autistic Society’s (NAS) ‘Push for Action’ campaign is aimed at improving support for adults with autism across England.
Graham said: “More than one in every hundred people has autism, meaning there are around 460,000 adults in England with the lifelong developmental disability. The Autism Act was passed in 2009 with the intention of ensuring they got the everyday support they need.
“Four years on, despite good progress in some parts of the country, many with the condition are still waiting. In a recent survey, 70% of adults with autism said they do not receive the support they need from social services. Additionally:
• Only 10% receive social skills training, yet 55% would like to receive it
• Only 10% receive employment support, yet 55% would like to receive it
• Only 17% have access to a social group, yet 42% would like to have access to one
"I am supporting ‘Push for Action’ to make sure adults with autism in Weaver Vale and across England can access support and I met with people with autism to discuss the campaign.
If they don’t have the right support, many people with autism can struggle with the everyday activities that many of us take for granted. I hope I can count on the support of local people in the area to push the button and get behind the National Autistic Society’s ‘Push for Action’ campaign, so that we can improve life for adults with the condition.”