MP supports "Autism Law"
3 February 2009
Doug Naysmith, MP for Bristol North West, has promised to be in Parliament to support The Autism Bill, backed by the National Autistic Society (NAS) and thirteen other charities. This bill, the first ever about autism, needs 100 MPs to vote for it on February 27th – a day when they would usually be working in their constituencies.
Doug Naysmith 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 Bristol North West and every other 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.
"Many people with autism don't receive the kind of support they need to help them achieve their potential. About two thirds of local authorities in England don't know how many children with autism there are, so obviously they cannot provide the necessary help."
Mark Lever, Chief Executive of the NAS, said; "We are delighted to have Doug's support and strongly urge other MPs to follow his 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."
MORE FOLLOWS
The Autism Bill aims to place a duty on local authorities to recognise and fulfil their responsibilities towards people with autism. Measures proposed include: improving local information on the number of children and adults with autism, providing effective support from child to adult services and tackling the chronic lack of help for adults with the condition.
The Autism Bill is being taken forward by Cheryl Gillan MP, who was first out of the private members' ballot.
The NAS, the UK's leading autism charity, is urging local people to email their MP to back the bill at www.autismbill.org.uk/autismbill.
