AS A supporter of The National Autistic Society (NAS) living in the area, I wanted to make other local people affected by autism aware that the statutory guidance for the Autism Act 2009 was published on December 17.

This is a landmark victory following three years of campaigning by the NAS and their supporters.

This guidance sends a clear message to all local authorities and local NHS Trusts telling them to ensure they are meeting the needs of people with autism. Now this has been introduced, people can start campaigning locally to make sure that the lives of people with autism are improved.

I urge people to contact their local director of adult social care services and ask when they can expect reforms to happen.

This can be done directly through the NAS website by visiting autism.org.uk/dhguidance

Dr Stephen Gamble, Tamworth Road, Clifton, York.