Press Release
MP Supports People With Autism
Tom Clarke MP has pledged to ensure a brighter future for people with autism by backing a draft Private Members’ Bill, launched by The National Autistic Society (NAS).
With 40% of adults with autism living at home with their parents and over 60% relying on them financially, the Autism Bill aims to improve the lives of the half a million people with autism in the UK, many of whom do not receive the support that would help them become more independent and achieve their potential in adulthood.
Tom Clarke MP said: “Autism is much more common than most people think and it is crucial that there is appropriate support at a local level. This important bill has the potential to make a real difference to people living with autism in my constituency and provides me with a unique opportunity to take action.”
NAS Chief Executive, Mark Lever, said; “We are delighted to have the support of Mr Clarke and strongly urge other MPs to follow his lead; the right support at the right time could transform thousands of lives. It is simply unacceptable that individuals and families continue to struggle to get the help they so desperately need from health and social care agencies.”
The Autism Bill aims to compel local authorities and NHS bodies to recognise and fulfil their responsibilities towards people with autism. Measures proposed include: improving local information on the number of people with autism, providing effective support from childhood to adulthood.
Speaking in a Debate on Autism the MP said: “We have made progress, and although there are many dedicated people in this field, not least in teaching, this issue is all about society ensuring that the potential of every child is recognised, encouraged and achieved”. Dealing with the issue of transition of young people into adulthood the MP continued: “I want to focus briefly on the important issue of transition, which emerged in a report on disabled children and their families, which I had, the honour of chairing. It is important to their families and their future at the point of transition that resources are made available. I have put it on the record the argument about resources, particularly here in Scotland. The whole debate is about rejecting the view that out of sight is out of mind. It is about addressing the problems that exist, acknowledging what is being done, being angry about what is not being done and demanding change where it is necessary. As a sponsor of the ten-minute Bill I am aware that National Audit Office said that four out of seven parents had experienced divorce. We therefore owe it to parents of children who experience autism, and to the children themselves, to continue to focus on this important issue.