To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made by his Department in producing a national autism strategy. (317349)

The legislation mandates a time frame for the publication of the strategy by 1 April 2010.

The autism strategy will be published shortly, in advance of that date.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made by his Department in producing a national autism strategy; and when he expects to issue guidance to local authorities and strategic health authorities. (317883)

The Autism Act 2009 commits the Government to publishing a strategy for adults with autism no later than 1 April 2010. The autism strategy will be published shortly, in advance of that date.

The Department will consult on the content of guidance for health and social care bodies over the summer and will publish that guidance before the end of December.