Number of adults with autism to be counted for first time » Health » 24dash.com

The number of adults who suffer from autism in England will be counted for the first time, it was announced today.

Care Services Minister Ivan Lewis unveiled the £500,000 project, which aims to include adults who have not yet been diagnosed.

The information will be used to devise the first Government strategy on adults with autism and Asperger's syndrome, due to be published next year.

Mr Lewis said: "Adults with autism and Asperger's syndrome are too often abandoned by services with their families left to struggle alone.

"Equally, people are frequently misappropriately referred to either mental health or learning disability services.

"We still don't know enough about autism, but we do know that, left unsupported, it can have a devastating impact on those who have the condition and their families. "One of the key gaps in our knowledge is simple; we don't know how many people have the condition in any given area. That is why I am ordering a study to address this."

As many as one in 100 children are believed to have autism, and the new study will partly focus on their transition into adult life.

The research is being led by a team from the University of Leicester.

A recent survey by the National Autistic Society revealed 63% of adults with autism feel they do not get enough support.

The charity has welcomed the new study.

Chief executive Mark Lever said: "We warmly welcome today's announcement from the Department of Health .

"Through our I Exist report, adults with autism told us they feel isolated and ignored. We are therefore delighted that the government has listened and is taking action.

"The Government has committed to establishing an autism specialist post and to undertake research into the number of adults with autism. We hope this will mark a turning point in the way that the needs of people with autism are recognised and met."