Katy Clark 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, backed by The National Autistic Society and 13 other autism charities, needs 100 MPs to vote in its favour on the 27th February. Katy Clark MP 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.
Katy Clark MP said; “This is not a matter for party politics, but a critically important issue that is far too often overlooked. I will be there to vote on the 27th and I hope many more of my colleagues will show their support. Although this is a devolved matter it is a vital issue for thousands of families and a number of constituents from North Ayrshire and Arran have been in touch requesting that I support this Bill. I therefore urge the Scottish Government to look at the possibility of introducing similar measures to those included in the Bill in the near future. ”
Katy Clark’s decision to back the bill comes after the NAS I Exist campaign revealed many people with autism don’t receive the kind of support that would help them achieve their potential in adulthood and at least 1 in 3 adults with the condition are experiencing serious mental health difficulties as a result. Local authorities have been surprisingly slow to react; with many unaware of how many people with autism are living in their area.
Mark Lever, Chief Executive of the NAS, said; “We are delighted to have the support of Katy Clark 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 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.