The UK Autism Foundation has asked the heads of all three of the UK major political parties to ensure that sufferers of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are not left vulnerable by planned cuts to healthcare spending.

Ivan Corea, the CEO of the foundation, has described provision of speech and language therapy to children with ASD communication problems as "crucial". Often those afflicted with Aspergers Syndrome or Autism can struggle to develop effective communication skills, either verbally or non-verbally.

His letter urged politicians to protect the ability of public services to provide such health care. He said that some councils were cutting the numbers of speech and language therapy jobs in their health authorities whilst children were "desperate" for support.

"Already many families and people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome are suffering as a result of the postcode lottery to public services. Any further cuts to health, education, specialist speech therapy and respite care will be devastating." said Corea.
"We are fast approaching a General Election in 2010 and autism will be one of the serious issues all political parties will need to address, they must protect the vulnerable"

So far only Conservative party leader David Cameron has publicly responded to the Foundation's request.

Mr Cameron said that the agreed that autism "represents one of the most difficult and pressing" challenges for healthcare delivery in the future.

"This country is in a very serious debt crisis and we need urgently to get our public finances under control." he said.
"Some very tough decisions are necessary and public spending will have to be cut".

Regarding the Conservatives plans for providing support for ASD sufferers, Mr Cameron said that he and his party were "very keen to make changes to the way the funds for these disabilities are allocated. Patients and health professionals should have more power over the way that their health priorities are decided."