Census Failing People With Autism

The National Autistic Society Scotland (NAS Scotland) has today raised serious concerns regarding the Scottish Government’s proposed 2011 Census as in its current format it would discriminate against the 50,000 people in Scotland living with autism.

Most of the 50,00 people living with this life long condition are unidentified by local authorities and health boards. NAS Scotland and Autism Initiatives Scotland believe that the identification and recording of children and adults with autism is essential if appropriate support is to be made available.

The proposed Census question (No18) would discriminate against people with autism as they need to be asked direct questions about their condition, otherwise they are unlikely to answer with the required information. It is a widely recognised feature of autism that people with the condition will treat questions literally and answer accordingly.

Carol Evans, National Director for NAS Scotland said:

“If the census remains as it currently stands, this will result in 50,000 Scots with a hidden disability continuing to be isolated and ignored. One of the key asks of our campaign ‘We Exist’ is that there needs to be a duty to identify an record the numbers of children and adults with autism. For someone with autism, the question must be direct – ‘Do you have autism?’, as they will not identify with ‘learning difficulties or developmental disorders or see themselves as having ether of these conditions.

“We know that the Economy Committee is considering changing the wording to the current census in light of discussions with NAS Scotland and other autism organisations. The census only happens once every 10 years, and this is a golden opportunity that the Scottish Government cannot afford to miss.

Wendy Alexander MSP and member of the Scottish Parliament Economy Committee said:

“I am pressing the Scottish government to think again. Families dealing with autism have been waiting almost a decade for accurate statistics to be collected. The 2011 census is the chance to put that right and we should do so. Unless we know how many are coping with autism how can we hope to put in place the services required?”