Tom's campaign blog #3: Six reasons why the Autism Act is just like Andy Murray

Marvel as I attempt to link Push for Action to a popular current news story.

Bear with me. This could be painful.

1. Both started weak and got muscles

In the early days, Andy Murray was criticised for being too weak to compete with the big boys. But he beefed right up and started flexing his muscles to adoring fans. Then he started making an impact.

In the early drafts, the guidance that came out of the Autism Act was criticised (by us) for being too weak compete among other local priorities. But, with your help, we campaigned and got it beefed right up, to be published to an adoring public. Then it started making an impact.

2. Both need your support

Murray often explains how the fans cheering him on give him an extra edge on court – how he wouldn’t keep reaching those semis and finals at Wimbledon without them behind him.

Likewise, the Autism Act and its accompanying strategy will only ever achieve so much unless people get behind it, keep pushing it and championing it. It’s our autism campaigners that can give it its edge.

3. Neither are much to look at

4. Both haven't yet fulfilled their potential

Murray is good at what he does (playing tennis). The Autism Act is good at what it does (setting a statutory framework to improve support for adults with autism). But so far, both are nearly-men. (Or nearly-pieces-of-legislation.)

Murray still craves his crowning glory, the historic Wimbledon victory that would be his legacy. The Autism Act still craves its own ultimate goal – for all adults with autism to receive the support they need. (70% of adults with autism told us that they don’t.)

5. Both have come a long, long way in the last 2-3 years

For a while, it looked like Murray might never win a Grand Slam. By this time in 2012 he’d reached four finals but found the mighty Federer or Djokovic in his way. Until later that year he finally claimed Olympic Gold and Silver medals and the US Open title.

For a while, it looked like local authorities might never improve support for adults with autism. 2-3 years ago many didn’t even have a member of staff with responsibility for autism, let alone services and support for this group. But the Autism Act is changing that. Now almost all local areas have an appointed ‘autism lead’ and many are starting to put some excellent practice into place. They’ve come a long way, but there’s still an even longer way to go…

6. Both could become the greatest this year. Or not…

This weekend, Murray might finally win Wimbledon.

This year, the Autism Act might finally start transforming lives across the country.

But only if you Push for Action.

Tom Madders,

Head of Campaigns