Supporting people with autism

21.3.2014

Question for written answer E-003473-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Phil Bennion (ALDE) , George Lyon (ALDE) , Rebecca Taylor (ALDE) , Fiona Hall (ALDE) , Edward McMillan-Scott (ALDE)

According to the World Health Organisation, autism is a pervasive developmental disorder which affects around 1 in 150 children. Studies have found that people with autism are more likely to be bullied. It has also been shown that underdiagnosis and a lack of gender mainstreaming of the diagnostic tests is a real issue across the EU and leads to autism sufferers, particularly females, not receiving the tailored support necessary to achieve their full potential, notably in education and employment.

1. Is the Commission taking action to collect data on the level of abuse experienced by people with autism and on the lack of societal support?

2. Has the Commission provided funding for research and the collection of statistics on the bullying of people with autism?

3. Does the Commission intend to support research programmes on issues such as underdiagnosis and the lack of gender mainstreaming of the diagnostic tests?

4. Is the Commission taking action to support awareness-raising campaigns, such as Kevin Healey’s UK campaign and the Autism in Pink campaign, on the challenges faced by people with autism?

5. Has the Commission been facilitating an exchange of best practices between Member States to fight against the increase in cyber bullying, including trolling and stalking, and physical bullying of young people, including those with autism?

6. Has the Commission been promoting the exchange among Member States of their best practices regarding legislation and police recording of disability hate crime in order to help the relevant authorities tackle abuse and bullying?

OJ C 343, 01/10/2014