Adult autism strategy 'welcomed'

The recently announced adult autism strategy for England has been welcomed by a national charity.

According to the National Society of Autism (NAS), the strategy deals with a number of key areas which the charity has been calling for action on.

The development of specialist autism teams was particularly welcomed by the NAS.

Mark Lever, chief executive of the NAS and chair of the strategy's external reference group, said: "This long awaited strategy is the first step to ensuring adults with autism will be able to enjoy the same rights and freedoms as the rest of society."

He added that the next step was to introduce the policy effectively.

"This momentous opportunity to transform the lives of people with autism and their families must not be wasted," he warned.

According to the Department of Health, the strategy, which is called Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives, will create a culture change, where public services will help people with autism to find work.