Who's talking about autism?

Everyone is talking about autism.

Author Nick Hornby

“As a father of a son with autism, I know how families have to battle for vital education and support services.  If on top of this, they are dealing with prejudice and misunderstanding, then everyday life can become even more difficult.  I would appeal to everyone to talk about autism”

Watch Nick Hornby talking about autism 

Singer and Actor Keith Duffy

“We don’t need everyone to be an expert; we just need everyone to improve their understanding a little bit.  This campaign and the film should help people to understand there is usually a good reason why a child with autism might behave a certain way”

Watch Keith talking about autism 

Ed Balls MP for Normanton

"I know from talking to young people with autism that it can be very hurtful when they feel misunderstood by other just because they behave differently. That is why I support the TreeHouse campaign to Talk about Autism. By taking the time to find out more about what autism really means we can all help make everyday activities at school and at home easier for children and young people with autism and their families. This is incredibly important and easy to do, so I’d encourage everyone to talk about autism.” 

Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove MP

"I believe it’s important for schools to think about children with autism. Ever since my colleague, David Cameron, became leader of the Conservative Party we have shown our commitment to improving support for children with special educational needs. I am delighted to send my support for this campaign." 

David Laws MP for Yeovil

"Talk about Autism is a great campaign. It's encouraging everyone to talk and find our more about autism, which affects 1 in 100 children and young people. I support this campaign and would encourage others to join in and talk."

Minister for Equalities, Lynne Featherstone MP

"What a fantastic idea - a talkathon - so we all talk about autism. You know - the more people talk - the more people understand and the better off we all are. Yet another great idea from TreeHouse! I am very lucky to have them in my constituency."  

Arsenal Manager Arsène Wenger 

“Visiting with TreeHouse gave me an understanding of the challenges faced by children and young people affected by autism, and how damaging the misconceptions about children with autism can be.  It is essential that we all work together to increase awareness of autism, to give these children and families the best opportunities in life.  That's why we need to talk about autism and that's why I am supporting this campaign." 

The Communication Champion, Jean Gross

"As Communication Champion, I know how important communication is to children and young people’s life chances. All children need to be able to communicate and to be understood. That is why I am supporting Talk About Autism, which will raise the public’s understanding of autism as a condition that affects children’s ability to communicate, learn and take part. It is so important that all children with autism have the support that enables them to flourish."

Actress Sophie Okonedo

“It’s a privilege for me to be asked to support TreeHouse and its latest campaign.

I live very near the school and was introduced to it by my daughter who was part of the ‘Reverse Inclusion‘ programme. The programme involves children from Muswell Hill Primary School visiting TreeHouse School once a week to learn and play with TreeHouse’s pupils. She really enjoyed going there and it was the highlight of her school week. Through her I started to learn a little bit about TreeHouse and autism and began to unpick some of the preconceived ideas I had.

TreeHouse is a wonderful place and as a local resident I support it and all its work wholeheartedly”.

Singer Tony Hadley 

“TreeHouse is a charity I have long admired because I have seen first hand the way they transform the lives of children with autism by campaigning for the education and support that they and their families need. That’s why I’m backing TreeHouse’s Talk About Autism Campaign – to raise awareness of autism and how with the right support, children with autism can go on to learn, be happy and be part of their community.”

DJ Judge Jules

“One in 100 children in the UK has a diagnosis of autism but even though it’s so common, lots of us don’t realise that it affects almost every aspect of a child’s life.  When I visited a school for children with autism in my local community, I got to meet pupils who were striving to overcome some of the fundamental challenges they face, for example learning to communicate with others around them.  I think all of us need to learn a bit more about autism and that’s why I’m talking about autism”

Comedian Matt Lucas

“When I visited TreeHouse I realised how important education is for children with autism.  I’m supporting the Talk about Autism campaign because if we can educate ourselves about autism, even a little bit, we can support the one in 100 children in the UK who are diagnosed with the condition, and their families”

Journalist Jon Snow

"I'm delighted to support TreeHouse's "Talk about Autism" campaign.  Autism is no small ghetto - it covers a vast spectrum. As more research bears fruit, so more families begin to understand that what they are living with is somewhere within the wide spectrum that is Autism – and that they are not alone. TreeHouse - beyond its magnificent care and educational work, is part of this growing community.  It's time that we all forgot about the "Rain Man" myth and realised that each young person with autism is different."

Singer Jamie Archer 

“I didn’t realise that autism affects your ability to communicate, interact socially and your imagination skills – almost every aspect of life really.  You can’t necessarily tell that someone has autism – but if we could all understand a little more about it, then we might at least ask the question. That’s why I’m supporting Talk about Autism”

Singer Chrissie Hynde 

“Whether we are aware of it or not, we are all in the association of someone with autism.  In some cases, those affected by this increasingly common condition, have been responsible for some of our culture’s most beloved musical and artistic contributions.  But often, society only recognises the difficulty such individuals have with the social skills most of us take for granted.  With one in every one hundred children now affected by some spectrum of autism, now is the time for increased awareness and understanding.”

Actor Bill Paterson 

“I believe that everybody should spend a little time talking about autism, a condition which affects one in 100 children and young people.  That way, we can separate the fact from the fiction, and support the young people in our communities.  I would encourage everyone to support this campaign”.