On 2 April each year the UN observes World Autism Awareness Day; this year’s theme is ‘Assistive Technologies, Active Participation’. This House of Lords Library briefing summarises some of the challenges faced by people with autism and examines how assistive technology can enable independence for people with the condition.
Autism: Assistive Technology (219 KB , PDF)
Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a lifelong condition that affects how people communicate and interact with others. It is estimated that 1.1 percent of the UK population have autism, although the rate of diagnosed autism is lower. Assistive technology is used to help disabled people live more independent lives; and there are a range of these services and products designed for people with ASD.
This briefing summarises some of the challenges faced by people with autism and examines how assistive technology can enable independence for people with the condition. It covers three areas; job-specific and employment skills, social skills and anxiety management. For each of these, the briefing outlines the technology available and reports of its effectiveness. In the final section, the briefing summarises some sources of government funding for assistive technology.
Autism: Assistive Technology (219 KB , PDF)
While handling record demand, the social care sector in England is facing workforce, resource and funding pressures. There are also millions of people providing unpaid care. The new Labour government has announced an intention to create a ‘National Care Service’, and to improve NHS and social care integration as part of a 10-year plan for reform.
Between 1970 and the early 1990s, over 30,000 NHS patients were given blood transfusions, or treatments made using blood products, which were contaminated with hepatitis C or HIV. Over 3,000 people have since died, and thousands more live with health conditions. The infected blood inquiry called for immediate compensation, public memorials, and for lessons to be learned in medicine, government and the civil service. In August 2024 the government set out plans for compensation.
Vaginal mesh implants are used to repair damaged internal tissue. However, many women receiving these implants have experienced severe complications. In 2020, an independent review recommended establishing a compensation scheme for the women affected. The Conservative government rejected this recommendation, saying its focus would be on improving product safety. However, calls for redress have continued, with a subsequent review in 2024 also recommending the establishment of a compensation scheme.
