Charter of Rights for Persons with Autism
People with autism should share the same rights and privileges enjoyed by all of the European population where such are appropriate and in the best interests of the person with autism. These rights should be enhanced, protected and enforced by appropriate legislation in each state. The United Nations declaration on the Rights of Mentally Retarded Persons (1971) and the Rights of Handicapped Persons (1975) and other relevant declarations on human rights should be considered and, in particular, for people with autism, the following should be included:
- THE RIGHT of people with autism to live independent and full lives to the limit of their potential
- THE RIGHT of people with autism to an accessible, unbiased and accurate clinical diagnosis and assessment
- THE RIGHT of people with autism to accessible and appropriate education
- THE RIGHT of people with autism (and their representatives) to be involved in all decisions affecting their future; the wishes of the individual must be, as far as possible, ascertained and respected
- THE RIGHT of people with autism to accessible and suitable housing
- THE RIGHT of people with autism to the equipment, assistance and support services necessary to live a fully productive life with dignity and independence
- THE RIGHT of people with autism to an income or wage sufficient to provide adequate food, clothing, accommodation and other necessaries of life
- THE RIGHT of people with autism to participate, as far as possible, in the development and management of services provided for their well-being
- THE RIGHT of people with autism to appropriate counselling and care for their physical, mental and spiritual health; this includes the provision of appropriate treatment and medication administered in the best interests of the patient with all protective measures taken
- THE RIGHT of people with autism to meaningful employment and vocational training without discrimination or stereotype; training and employment should have regard to the ability and choice of the individual
- THE RIGHT of people with autism to accessible transport and freedom of movement
- THE RIGHT of people with autism to participate in and benefit from culture, recreation and sport
- THE RIGHT of people with autism of equal access to and use of all facilities, services and activities in the community
- THE RIGHT of people with autism to sexual and other relationships, including marriage, without exploitation or coercion
- THE RIGHT of people with autism (and their representatives) to legal representation and assistance and to the full protection of all legal rights
- THE RIGHT of people with autism to freedom from fear or threat of unwarranted incarceration in psychiatric hospitals or any other restrictive institution
- THE RIGHT of people with autism to freedom from abusive physical treatment or neglect
- THE RIGHT of people with autism to freedom from pharmacological abuse or misuse
- THE RIGHT of access of people with autism (and their representatives) to all information contained in their personal, medical, psychological, psychiatric and educational records
Over the years there have been a number of ‘declarations’, ‘charters’ and ‘bills of rights’ drawn up on behalf of people with disabilities. Although their intentions are clear and the spirit and sentiments are to be applauded, none of them have addressed all of the particular range of problems presented by autism. The Nation States affiliated to the United Nations or to the European Community have agreed to support these statements and thereby have been pledged to incorporate them in some form or another into their legislative programme. If this had actually happened this Charter would be unnecessary.
However most, if not all, states, while accepting the principle of these statements, have failed to adjust their legislation appropriately and completely failed to make available the range of provision or deliver a quality of service which acceptance would entail. Acceptance of a range of principles is simple and most states would claim to do so and to uphold the requirements. However, no state currently provides a fully satisfactory service.
Text taken from Autism Research Unit, University of Sunderland website. For full text and concrete examples by which compliance with the various clauses of the Charter may be evaluated visit http://osiris.sunderland.ac.uk/autism/aeright2.htm
