Thousands of adults with autism are isolated and ignored, unable to access the support they need, and are often completely dependent on their families.

These are the findings of The National Autistic Society (NAS) I Exist report, which has its South East launch on Thursday April 17 at the BT Centre in London. Media are welcome to attend.

Hosted by the South East regional Partners in Autism, the launch of I Exist signals a new phase in the NAS think differently about autism campaign.

The report reveals that nearly two thirds (63%) of adults with autism in England do not have enough support to meet their needs.

Sarabjit Singh, an adult with Asperger syndrome from Hounslow, said:  “I had a lot of trouble when I was younger trying to ‘fit in’ and learn the rules; I was finally diagnosed when I was 31, but it’s still a struggle to get the help and support I need on a day-to-day basis.

"The professionals I turned to for help weren’t trained in autism and this lack of understanding just makes the situation worse - why should anyone have to get to the point when they are in crisis before health and social services will acknowledge them?

"Adults with autism have so much to offer, they just need to be given the support and the opportunity – the right help can make a world of difference”

Speakers at the event include Sarah Hewitt, an adult with Asperger syndrome; Murial Zeffert, mother of an adult with autism from Harrow; Jean Rose of the Sussex Autistic Community Trust; and Richard Lane of the Bromley Autistic Trust. London artist David Downes, who has Asperger syndrome, will also be displaying some of his work.

Based on the largest ever survey on the experiences of adults with autism and their families in England, the I Exist report found that:

• Nearly two thirds of adults with autism do not have enough support to meet their needs.
• 92% of parents are worried about their son or daughter’s future when they are no longer able to care for them.
• 61% of adults with autism rely on their family financially and 40% live with their parents.
• 60% of parents believed that a lack of support has led to higher support needs later on.
• At least 1 in 3 adults with autism are experiencing severe mental health difficulties due to a lack of support.

Robert Pritchett, NAS South East regional director, who will be introducing the event said: “Autism is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition. Without the right support, it can have a devastating effect on individuals and their families.

"It does not have to be like this – ‘I Exist’ is the message from adults with autism who want their needs understood and the barriers to support removed. The right help at the right time can have a profound effect - we are calling on the government to think, act, and transform lives”.

For more information about the campaign and to download copies of the I Exist report, visit www.think-differently.org.uk email thinkdifferently@nas.org.uk or call 020 7923 5799