Page Last updated 09-04-2009
The current lack of accurate information about the number of adults with ASD makes it difficult to map future service requirements. However, the US based Association of University Centers on Disabilities have highlighted some key areas which they foresee as future issues. These include transitional issues for adolescents with ASD moving into adulthood, increased need for community-based adult services and greater demand for post-secondary education.
An ageing population means that there will a greater number of adults with ASD who will have a range of physical and mental health issues associated with ageing, which will place additional demands on health and social services. Furthermore, demographic and economic trends are impacting on the security and cohesion of families making it more difficult for them to provide support, further increasing reliance on state provision.
A national research project designed to more precisely identify the number of people with autism is underway, findings are expected towards the end of 2009.
The DH appointment of a specialist advisor on autism at a national level, will provide further impetus to identify people with ASD and to develop services locally.
And that at a local level local delivery partners should action the autism ‘clarification note’ (Better services for people with an autistic spectrum disorder, 2006).