The serious concerns of the UK Autism Foundation were highlighted in the Autism Debate in the House of Lords. Peers backed the call of the UK Autism Foundation for Her Majesty's Government to reach out to poor families with autism who are struggling during the recession.

Baroness Uddin speaking in the debate supported the UK Autism Foundation's call for Chancellor Alistair Darling to increase the disability living allowance, the carer's allowance and the tax credits for parents, carers and people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome. Earl Howe also focused on poor families who are struggling to cope with life.

Ivan Corea said: 'I call upon Her Majesty's Government to genuinely help the poor by increasing the tax credits, the disability living allowance and the carer's allowance in the 2010 Budget. Peers of all parties backed the needs of the poor. UKAF has been consistently lobbying and campaigning hard on behalf of the poor. They are suffering as a result of this long recession. They need help now, not just in ten years time.'

The autism debate was sponsored by Baroness Usha Prashar. The short debate initiated by  Baroness Prashar in the chamber of the House of Lords in Westminster, was on Autism, social inclusion and disability discrimination legislation. Baroness Thornton responded on behalf of Her Majesty's Government.