Minister promises action on autism

xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> Minister promises action on autism

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,11-2002015880,00.html

 

 

 

THURSDAY JANUARY 10 2002

 

Minister promises action on autism

 

BY HELEN RUMBELOW

 

THE Public Health Minister promised a more concerted approach to autism yesterday after a Commons debate in which MPs paid tribute to the Times campaign to raise awareness of the condition.

Yvette Cooper said that the NHS, schools and social services would have to work together under the National Service Framework for Children to stop families slipping through the net.

The National Autistic Society, the subject of The Times Christmas Appeal, helps to improve the lives of those affected by autism, but lack of resources means that many families are still not getting the help they need.

Linda Perham, Labour MP for Ilford North, organised the Commons debate to inaugurate the first Autism Awareness Year, founded by Ivan Corea, a constituent with an autistic boy, Charin, 5. Tony Blair pledged his support at Question Time.

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.