Wendy pivotal in securing recognition for people with autism in 2011 Scottish Census

Renfrewshire constituency MSPs visited the local Renfrewshire Autism Carers Support Group at the beginning of March this year – see earlier March reports where they heard directly from parents of the difficulties families face trying to get the right help and support for their children. The MSPs pledged support for an Autism Strategy Bill, fellow MSP Hugh O’Donnell was trying to bring through the Parliament in a Private Members Bill.

But the other concern brought to Wendy’s attention was the fact that no mention of the condition was to be made in the first draft Scottish 2011 Census Bill.

Many of the estimated 50,000 people living with this life long condition are unidentified by local authorities and health boards. How could a Strategy Bill ever be progressed in Scotland if the number of sufferers is never officially counted and remains unknown?

With time tight to the deadline for changes, Wendy, through the Parliamentary Committee she serves on,  asked for an amendment to the Census Order drafted questions to include recognition of Autism Spectrum Disorder people (click here to see press release).  Wendy engaged with Minister Jim Mather on the matter when he attended the Committee on March 10th (click here to read the discussion). The Minister subsequently included the revision and now, for the first time ever the Scottish Government’s proposed 2011 census will now include a category asking to count those with  “developmental disorder e.g. Autism Spectrum Disorder or Asperger syndrome” click here to see the Census Order – question 18e.

Wendy Alexander MSP said:

“I am delighted that the Scottish Government have listened to reason. The minister promised he would take on board the issues I had raised with him on behalf of those families living with autism. By agreeing to include a specific mention of autism/Asperger syndrome we will have more information than ever on this condition in Scotland. It will put us ahead of the rest of UK on the measurement issue – though we still have far to go on support and agreeing a national strategy on autism. I want to thank all the families, particularly the autism support group in Renfrewshire and NAS Scotland for supporting me in pursuing this issue with the Scottish government’

The National Autistic Society Scotland (NAS Scotland) announced it as a landmark victory. Carol Evans, National Director for NAS Scotland said:

“This is an amazing result for people with autism in Scotland. We at NAS Scotland are proud to have helped make this change to the 2011 census a reality and would like to thank Wendy Alexander MSP, our partners and supporters for their involvement. This is a significant achievement and reason to celebrate!”

Bernadette Collins, the Renfrewshire branch officer of NAS said: “The Renfrewshire branch of NAS parents group would like to say a huge thank you to Wendy Alexander and all politicians who empathise with people and their families affected by Autism and who bring their concerns and commitment for change to the heart of government. Autism has never been included on a census before, this is the first step towards identifying the thousands of people and their families affected by autism in Scotland. This is a bold step for the newest Parliament in Europe. We as parents look forward to how the information is used to plan more appropriate services, to encourage joined up working and to put an end to the post code lottery that currently exists. This will make a difference to thousands of peoples lives.”

Parliament approves the next census – March 27th 2011 – click here for more info.