Steve Brine dropped into the launch of a new report calling for improved access to healthcare for all autistic people on Monday 4th July.
The Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP who has a long-running interest in the subject, has served as Vice-Chair of the All Party Group on Autism, and met up with the Westminster Autism Commission at the launch, which is an independent, cross-party group with leaders from the autism sector which influences policy and practice.
Following a seven-month inquiry and a consultation of over 900 people, the Westminster Commission on Autism report states that it is critical to improve access to healthcare for autistic people of all ages.
Steve Brine said: "This population have increased health risks and reduced life expectancy, yet still face multiple obstacles to accessing the same healthcare that other population groups enjoy.
"It is clear that the knock-on effect of poor access to healthcare on physical and mental health, and then on employment and the economy, quality of life and mortality, leads us to request positive action now."
Winchester mum Kathryn Griffith, from local organisation The Playhouse Foundation, was also able to attend the Westminster event. She said: "The Playhouse Foundation was delighted to attend the event and hear more about the recommendations the Commission has made on improving access to healthcare for those on the autistic spectrum.
"As a Winchester-based charity supporting children with autism across Hampshire, we are only too aware of the barriers that many families face and the role of the Commission in raising these issues is critical.
"We are very grateful to Steve for facilitating our engagement with the Commission and we look forward to exploring the ways in which we might be able to input to their future work."
More information ...
Download the inquiry report
