Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP Steve Brine became one of the vice-chairs of the All-Party Autism Group in Parliament shortly after being elected to Parliament. His interest in autism and special educational needs in particular drive his involvement in the group which is chaired by Cheryl Gillan MP.
Since becoming a Minister (in July 2016) he is no longer an officer of the group but remains a member and supports its work in Westminster.
The official objective of the group is to raise awareness of issues affecting people with autism and Asperger syndrome, their families and carers; to raise Parliamentary awareness of autism; to campaign for changes to government policy to benefit people with autism and Asperger syndrome and improve diagnosis or, support for, people with autism and Asperger syndrome.
The Government proposed major changes to the special educational needs (SEN) system in England and the APPG held a major inquiry into SEN provision in March 2012. Steve sat as a member of that inquiry panel.
Pictured; Steve hosting an event for the All-Party Group with the NAS in Parliament.
More information and links ...
See the group listed on Parliament's own website here
Visit the National Autistic Society website here
Westminster Commission on Autism reports (July 2016)
Autism finally included in Initial Teacher Training (June 2016)