The UK Autism Foundation has called on Britain's new Prime Minister to help poor families with autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

David Cameron swept into 10 Downing Street yesterday leading a Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition Government. This is the first Coalition Government in the UK since the Second World War.

The Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg have both spoken out on autism. In a message to mark the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day David Cameron said: 'At present too many people with autism are being held back from fulfilling their potential. We need to break down the barriers which stop them doing so, including barriers to work. As a compassionate society we need to provide for those who cannot work, so we support moves towards providing personal budgets for those who require constant care to make sure they get the support they need. People with autism or Asperger Syndrome who are looking to work or training to help them into employment, need the right kind of help at the right time. Tapping the expertise of the private and voluntary sectors is one way we can make sure the assistance we provide is tailored to people’s individual services, helping lift people out of poverty and promoting greater independence.’

Nick Clegg also released a message to mark World Autism Awareness Day. Mr.Clegg said:‘It’s deeply, deeply alarming that families are more likely to live in poverty if they have a child or adult who suffers from autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. More needs to be done to change this. There is a challenge facing politicians of all parties to ensure that these families are not forgotten. It is so important on UN World Autism Awareness Day we highlight the difficulties facing those who live with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome and look for a way forward. It is vital that every adult and child with autism and the parents, carers and family who look after them with such passion and dedication receive all the support they need. From targeting extra cash to schools helping the children who need it most to giving carers a full week off every year, Liberal Democrats are fully committed to ensuring that those living with autism or Asperger’s Syndrome get a fair deal.’

Ivan Corea of the UK Autism Foundation said: 'We have been in touch with Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg on autism. We call on Her Majesty's Government to bring in real, genuine and lasting change - for parents, carers, children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome. Both leaders have talked about protecting the poor and bringing in fairer policies. UKAF is urging the new Government to protect parents, carers and the Autism Community from the cuts to public services in education, health, specialist speech therapy and respite care. We have urged David Cameron and Nick Clegg to support the vulnerable by bringing in permanent increases in the DLA, CLA, child benefit and tax credits. Carers are working over 70 hours a week on a pitiful 72 pence an hour. This is well below the minimum wage. They must genuinely help the poor and bring in change.'

The UK Autism Foundation has called for a new approach to autism and new ways of working with autism charities in the United Kingdom. Charities are calling for a new Autism Stakeholders Group. UKAF is also campaigning for an autism strategy for children and an autism strategy for adults.

Autism campaigners are also calling for state funded autism schools and state funded Autism Academies.

For further information on UKAF:
www.ukautismfoundation.org

To support the work of UKAF:
www.justgiving.com/ukautismfound