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Charter for persons with autism

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Charter for persons with autism


# Charter 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:

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1. **THE RIGHT of people with autism** to live independent and full lives to the limit of their potential.  
2. **THE RIGHT of people with autism** to an accessible, unbiased and accurate clinical diagnosis and assessment.  
3. **THE RIGHT of people with autism** to accessible and appropriate education.  
4. **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.  
5. **THE RIGHT of people with autism** to accessible and suitable housing.  
6. **THE RIGHT of people with autism** to the equipment, assistance and support services necessary to live a fully productive life with dignity and independence.  
7. **THE RIGHT of people with autism** to an income or wage sufficient to provide adequate food, clothing, accommodation and the other necessities of life.  
8. **THE RIGHT of people with autism** to participate, as far as possible, in the development and management of services provided for their wellbeing.  
9. **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 interest of the individual with all protective measures taken.  
10. **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.  
11. **THE RIGHT of people with autism** to accessible transport and freedom of movement.  
12. **THE RIGHT of people with autism** to participate in and benefit from culture, entertainment, recreation and sport.  
13. **THE RIGHT of people with autism** of equal access to and use of all facilities, services and activities in the community.  
14. **THE RIGHT of people with autism** to sexual and other relationships, including marriage, without exploitation or coercion.  
15. **THE RIGHT of people with autism** (and their representatives) to legal representation and assistance and to the full protection of all legal rights.  
16. **THE RIGHT of people with autism** to freedom from fear or threat of unwarranted incarceration in psychiatric hospitals or any other restrictive institution.  
17. **THE RIGHT of people with autism** to freedom from abusive physical treatment or neglect.  
18. **THE RIGHT of people with autism** to freedom from pharmacological abuse or misuse.  
19. **THE RIGHT of access of people with autism** (and their representatives) to all information contained in their personal, medical, psychological, psychiatric and educational records.

Presented at the 4th Autism-Europe Congress, Den Haag, May 10th, 1992.

Adopted as a Written Declaration by the European Parliament on May 9th, 1996.

**Autism-Europe**  
rue Montoyer 39 bte 11, B-1000 Bruxelles, Belgium  
Tel. : +32 2 675 75 05, Fax : +32 2 675 72 70  
Email : [secretariat@autismeurope.org](mailto:secretariat@autismeurope.org)  
Website : [www.autismeurope.org](http://www.autismeurope.org)