Local MP 'Stands Up' for Autism

10.36.00am GMT Wed 25th Mar 2009

Annette Brooke MP is supporting World Autism Awareness Day on 2nd April and joining with UK autism charities, including the National Autistic Society (NAS), in standing up for local people affected by the condition.

Organised by the UN and with the theme of 'Stand Up for Autism', World Autism Awareness Day brings together autism organisations all around the world and gives a voice to the millions of individuals who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help.

Annette said: "Autism is much more common than many people realise, affecting over 500,000 people in the UK, yet despite the scale of the need, autism receives nowhere near the attention it deserves. The woeful lack of understanding, support and services available for people affected by autism can have a devastating impact. That is why I am standing up for my constituents who are affected by this complex condition and urging the Government and local authorities to give priority to autism, to allocate adequate resources and to remove the barriers to support. "

Annette recently stood up for people with autism by supporting the Autism Bill in Parliament. Thanks to her support the Bill progressed to its next stage and has the potential to end the devastating postcode lottery of autism services and support across the UK.

For more information please visit: www.autism.org.uk/waad.