Support for autism taskforce

Published by Michelle Pacey for 24dash.com in Communities , Central Government , Health
Thursday 17th January 2008 - 12:28pm

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Baroness Uddin, speaking to a packed chamber in the House of Lords urged Her Majesty's Government to support the formation of an Autism Task Force to look at the serious issues connected with autism. Peers in the House of Lords spoke about autism after Baroness Uddin had tabled a question asking the Government to support the Autism Awareness Campaign's call for a national strategy on autism and a 10 year plan of action on autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

Support for the Day of Autism called for by the Autism Awareness Campaign UK came from many Peers and MPS. Harroy Cohen MP tabled an early day motion in the House of Commons - EDM 705 signed by MPs said: 'That this House supports the call of Ivan Corea of the Autism Awareness Campaign UK for a national strategy on autism and a 10 year plan of action on autism and Asperger's syndrome; notes that the Prime Minister recently met Mr Corea and discussed autism; and calls on Her Majesty's Government to support the idea of an Autism Taskforce in order for Government departments, the voluntary sector, charities, community groups and parents groups to work together to address the serious education and health issues facing parents, carers and people with autism and Asperger's syndrome.'

Parliamentarians also raised a series of questions on autism in support of the 'Day for Autism' in Westminster.
Lee Scott MP for Ilford North and member of the House of Commons Select Committee on Health launched his 10 minute rule bill on Autism which has now reached the next reading and was not opposed by Her Majesty's Government. Children's Secretary Ed Balls addressed parliamentarians, charities and parents at the All Party Parliamentary Group on Autism chaired by Tim Loughton MP.

Ivan Corea, head of the Autism Awareness Campaign UK said: 'We are grateful to peers and MPs for supporting what we called a 'Day for Autism in Parliament.' Certainly the focus was on autism and Asperger's Syndrome. We urge parliamentarians of all parties to continue to raise the profile of parents, carers and all people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome. There is still so much suffering and parents from all over the UK and indeed people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome voiced their concerns to Children's Secretary Ed Balls, including a moving plea from a young boy with Aspergers. We all need more support as autism is a 24 hour job. I just hope and pray that Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Children's Secretary Ed Balls and Her Majesty's Government listens to the voices of parents, carers and people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome,' he said. The Autism Awareness Campaign commended the Government for including children with disabilities in the Children's Plan announced by Children's Secretary Ed Balls.


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