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Autism Crisis: Lives Lost Due to Neglect
23 Nov
Summary
- Autistic individuals face crisis before receiving help.
- Hundreds of thousands await autism assessments.
- Autistic people have a lower life expectancy.
A significant cross-party report reveals a crisis in autism care, where many individuals only receive assistance when they reach a critical point, leading to tragic losses of life. The investigation found that a vast majority of autistic people feel misunderstood and that public environments are often inaccessible, contributing to isolation and mental health struggles.
With over 200,000 individuals currently waiting for autism assessments, the report underscores the severe strain on support systems. Only about 30% of autistic people are in employment, and the report harshly criticizes the unnecessary detention of autistic individuals in mental health hospitals and unequal access to education for autistic children and young people.
Experts emphasize the ongoing fight for support and the unacceptable inequalities faced by the autistic community, including a life expectancy that is over five years shorter than the general population. Misinformation is rising, exacerbating the perilous situation for autistic children, young people, and their families navigating assessments and educational challenges.
