Dear Mr Lansley

Congratulations on passage of the Autism Act 2009, backed by your Conservative
colleague Cheryl Gillan.  As you know, Cambridgeshire hosts one of the foremost
programmes of autism research and treatment in the UK, the Autism Research
Centre at the University of Cambridge.  So much attention is devoted to
children with autism spectrum conditions that we often lose sight of the needs
of adults with autism spectrum conditions (which include both autism and
Asperger syndrome).  The Autism Act is a step in the right direction.

There remains, though, more to do.  I wonder whether you might consider signing
the 'Don't Write Me Off' Early Day Motion tabled by Paul Rowen MP.  (For
further details about this campaign, please telephone 020 7923 5799 or email
campaign@nas.org.uk.)

This EDM is a sorely needed companion to the Autism Act, as adults with autism
spectrum conditions continue to be excluded from employment.  This exclusion
costs them the self-respect that comes with working to support oneself and to
contribute to society, and it costs us taxpayers the price of providing social
support for this unemployed and under-employed population.  People with autism
specteum conditions have so many skills and so much to give - but tragically,
they tend very often to be prevented from working because it's difficult for
them to interact socially with non-autistic colleagues.

My brother John is an example of this.  John has a severe form of autism.  He
cannot speak, although he understands others' speech, will follow instructions,
and can communicate by gesture, pointing, and sign.  For several years he was
employed in a sheltered workplace assembling electronics parts -- a task that
he performed very well because, like all people with autism, he has very
focused attention and will not miss out the slightest detail.  All that he
needed from his employer was an openness to communication in the modes that he
was capable of, and an understanding that his work would at times be
interrupted by compulsive and ritualistic behaviours and then promptly
resumed.  This arrangement worked very well for several years but after his
employer ceased trading he was unable to find any other work.

Research carried out by The National Autistic Society (NAS) for their 'Don't
Write Me Off' campaign has revealed that my brother John's case is all too
typical.  A third of people with autism spectrum conditions in the UK currently
live without a job and without benefits.  79% of those who do receive
Incapacity Benefit want to work.  Only 15% of people with autism spectrum
conditions are in full-time paid employment in the UK.  The NAS have also found
that the new Employment and Support Allowance is failing people with autism
spectrum conditions.

It doesn't have to be like this.  There are simple solutions to the problems
many people with autism spectrum conditions face.  Adults with autism spectrum
conditions need an Employment and Support Allowance that works for them,
Jobcentre Plus staff who have the training to understand and to meet their
needs, and a national strategy to transform access to employment.

Please support this campaign, and help to make the system fair for people with
autism, by writing to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and asking
her to take the simple steps needed to deliver real change for people with
autism.  And please also show your support by signing the 'Don't Write Me Off'
EDM.