Autism charity TreeHouse concerned that needs of 500,000 people in the UK affected by autism were not addressed in today's budget announcements.

Published by Nia for Tree House in Central Government and also in Communities, Education, Health, Local Government

TreeHouse is concerned that the needs of the 500,000 people in the UK affected by autism were not addressed in today’s (24 March) budget announcements, although the announcement about additional annual payments of £100 into the Child Trust Fund accounts of disabled children is a positive step forward.

A spokesperson for TreeHouse said: “As the national charity for autism education, TreeHouse understands that autism currently costs the UK tax payer just under £28 billion per year. If a small proportion of this were invested early on, not only would money be saved but children with autism would be more likely to learn, develop and eventually participate in society. However, the fact that disabled children were a group getting specific mention in the budget is promising.

“TreeHouse is calling for national and local strategic planning for the education of children and young people with autism so that the current gaps in provision can be addressed.”
 

Find out more about TreeHouse’s policy and parliamentary work this year in the TreeHouse Ambitious About Autism Parliamentary Briefing 2010.