The coalition Government needs to do more to support the 500,000 people with autism in the UK, according to a campaign launched this week.

The UK Autism Foundation (UKAF) is calling on its supporters to back the Keep The Promise Autism Awareness Campaign, by writing to Prime Minster David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and other ministers.

Parents and carers Ivan and Charika Corea, who first started the charity's Autism Awareness Campaign UK in 2000, said there was a great deal of unfinished business on autism in the UK and appealed to Mr Cameron to take firm and decisive action.

Mr Cameron promised to help and protect vulnerable people during his election campaign. Speaking the day before the polls opened, he said: "We will always protect the elderly, the frail, the vulnerable, the disadvantaged. That's the sort of person I am and the sort of Prime Minister I would be, and I want people to know that."

UKAF is now asking the Prime Minister to keep his promise to protect the vulnerable by supporting people with autism.

Mr Corea said: "We have been campaigning non-stop since 2000. Her Majesty's Government needs to do so much more for parents, carers, children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome in our country.

"Many are still suffering and struggle to access public services in education, health, specialist speech therapy and respite care.

"Please support UKAF's Autism Awareness Campaign by writing letters to the Government - for the cost of a few stamps you too can make a difference by standing up for autism.

"Your support will make a difference - we need decisive action on autism. Please support the vulnerable, we are lobbying and campaigning for the poorest sections of society."

The charity is calling for an autism strategy for children, an autism strategy for the elderly and a new autism stakeholders group.

It wants to see a permanent increase in the disability living allowance, the carer's allowance, child benefit and tax credits for the autism community.

UKAF is also urging the Government to help poor families affected by autism who are struggling to cope with life during this recession.

The charity is asking supporters to write letters outlining the above points to Mr Cameron, Mr Clegg, Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley and Secretary of State for Education Michael Gove.

For details of how to write to the Prime Minister and other ministers visit www.number10.gov.uk.

UKAF is an autism charity that aims to build the first state of the art autism centre in London, build an autism school and launch initiatives to help the poor. For more information go to www.ukautismfoundation.org.

By Emma Foster, Community Newswire

http://www.communitynewswire.press.net/article.jsp?id=6817365