Key politicians attend autism seminar in the run up to the Autism Bill's Third Reading

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

Some of the country’s key decision makers came together yesterday (Tuesday 12 May) for a seminar about autism at the House of Commons at a time when the Autism Bill is going through the very crucial Committee Stage.

The seminar was hosted by TreeHouse, the national charity for autism education, and chaired by John Bercow MP, whose Special Educational Needs and Disability (Support) private members bill is being debated this week in Parliament.

The panel of speakers included Cian Binchy, a young person with autism; Professor Tony Charman, Chair in Autism Education at the Institute of Education; and Gill Bierschenk, Executive Headteacher at TreeHouse.

Several MPs, Lords, Peers attended as well as parents of children with autism, education and communications professionals.

The seminar discussed early intervention; better training for the children’s work force; and the need for parent participation when developing autism services. All of these are vital components in ensuring that children with autism and their families are given the support they need.

Ian Wylie, TreeHouse Chief Executive, said: “1 in 100 school aged children have autism in the UK and yet the majority of them do not have access to the education they need. Indeed only one fifth of teachers have had any training in autism at all. As a result, children with autism don’t receive the support they need to fulfil their potential and are often bullied and excluded. TreeHouse is ambitious about ensuring that this situation changes. We hosted this seminar to appeal to decision makers to get better education for children with autism higher on the political agenda.”

“TreeHouse also recently launched a brand new website, sponsored by TalkTalk, called talkaboutautism.org.uk. It provides expert information and advice about autism and how to navigate the education system; and hosts a moderated online community for all parents and carers of children with autism to share experiences, ideas and support.”