Six leading autism Campaigners: Carole Rutherford - Co-founder (Autism In Mind), Ivan Corea (UK Autism Foundation), Richard Exley (Autism Consultancy Services), Anna Kennedy (Hillcrest Autism Services and best selling biography “Not Stupid”), Alison Wiles (Founder Autism – United Kingdom) and Sandy Howarth author of “No Matter What”(Autism) all determined to protect the future of families with Autism in the UK launched their own Impact Assessment Report on 18th October 2010 at the De Vere Hotel, Portland Place, London.

The 33 page thorough and detailed report takes first hand accounts to highlight the needs of families with autism. The report focuses strongly on the impact of cuts on families with autism – the evidence is clear that autism drives families into poverty and this report explains the difficulties facing families and the need for financial support. The guest list included Members of Parliament, Lords, the National Autistic Society, other service providers, parents and young people with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. The message which was delivered on the day was loud and clear with the hope of decision makers taking note and listening to the voice of autism.

The “ACT NOW” Campaign has gained an enormous amount of national support through the strength, commitment and tireless efforts of its founders. Following an extremely successful launch the six founders of “ACT NOW” headed off to Downing Street at 3pm to present the much valued Impact Assessment Report and to deliver 6000 signatures on a petition.

THE FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM TO SUPPORT FAMILIES WITH AUTISM IS ALL TOO COMMON AND THE FOUNDERS HOPE THAT THEIR IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT WILL BRING ATTENTION TO WHY THE SYSTEM IS FAILING OUR FAMILIES AND WHAT MEASURES NEED TO BE TAKEN TO SECURE THE FUTURE OF OUR AUTISM COMMUNITY.