MP helps to bring autism law a step closer

Published by Nia for Tree House in Communities and also in Central Government, Education, Health, Local Government

TreeHouse, the national charity for autism education, is delighted that Lynne Featherstone MP has brought the first ever autism law a step closer for local people affected by the condition, by supporting a bill currently going through Parliament.

The Autism Bill is backed by TreeHouse, The National Autistic Society and 12 other autism charities, needs 100 MPs to vote in its favour on the 27th February. Ms Featherstone has pledged to be there on the day, on behalf of local people affected by the condition, and to help end the unacceptable postcode lottery of autism services across the UK.

Ms Featherstone said; “This is not a matter for party politics, but a critically important issue that is far too often overlooked and which affects people in every constituency. The Autism Bill has the potential to radically transform thousands of lives in the area - I will be there to vote on the 27th and I hope many more of my colleagues will show their support.”

The Autism Bill aims to:
• Strengthen information about the numbers of people with autism and their needs, in order to improve local planning and commissioning of services
• Improve inter-agency working to secure effective transition for young people with autism who are moving from child to adult services
• Ensure access to appropriate support and services for people with autism in adult life

Ian Wylie, Chief Executive of TreeHouse, said; “We are delighted to have the support of Lynne Featherstone MP and strongly urge other MPs to follow her lead. The Autism Bill is a huge step forward in ensuring a brighter future for people with this serious, lifelong and disabling condition, but we urgently need support to make this law. Without the right help autism can have a profound and sometimes devastating effect and we will keep campaigning until we see real change at a local level.”

The Autism Bill is being taken forward by Cheryl Gillan MP, who was first out of the private members’ ballot.