The autism charity, the UK Autism Foundation has urged the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling to reach out to poor families and people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome in the 2010 Budget.

UKAF is seriously concerned that the on-going recession is devastating poor families. Ivan Corea of the UK Autism Foundation said: 'It is the poor who are bearing the brunt of the recession. Many are struggling to cope with life and are plunging into poverty. Charities recently pointed to research showing that one in three disabled children are living in poverty. Many are suffering under the financial weight of bringing up a child with a disability. We appeal to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling to increase the tax credits, the disability living allowance and the carer's allowance in the 2010 Budget, in order for parents, carers,children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome cope with the financial pressures,' he said.

The charity has contacted Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Leader of the Opposition David Cameron and Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg over the proposed cuts to public services. UKAF had urged the political leaders to protect parents, carers, children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome from savage cuts to services in education, health, specialist speech therapy and respite care.