This Carers Week (June 9 to 15) the Barnet branch of The National Autistic Society (NAS) would like to raise awareness of the difficult reality faced by families of adults with autism in Barnet.

Many adults with autism currently receive little or no help; 40 per cent live at home and are heavily reliant on their families, who often display great strength and resilience while coping with this complex disability.

The NAS I Exist campaign has found that more than three quarters of parents do not receive any support from their local authority in the role they perform as carers and are under considerable stress as a result.

Autism is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition and, without the right support, it can have a profound and sometimes devastating effect on individuals and families.

Deborah Packenham, NAS Barnet Branch officer