He is backing a new campaign by the National Autistic Society, You Need to Know, which aims to tackle a mental health system which it says fails two thirds of children with autism and often makes their mental health worse.
Steve Brine said; “We all need to know that by giving children with autism the understanding and support they need, we help promote their health and happiness. Too many are currently developing preventable mental health problems and find themselves up against a broken system that doesn’t understand them or their needs. It is a tragic waste of their potential.”
Over 70% of children with autism have a mental health problem, such as depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and other anxiety disorders, despite the fact that many of these problems are preventable. Autism is a complex disability and so when mental health problems do develop in children with the condition they are much harder to recognise, diagnose and treat without appropriate knowledge. Tragically, they are often dismissed as an unfortunate, but unavoidable side effect of having autism.
Mark Lever, chief executive of the NAS said; “All too often children with autism receive inappropriate, ineffectual and sometimes harmful treatment of their mental health problems. This has a devastating effect on families many of whom develop their own mental health problems as a result. Parents and professionals alike are crying out for more autism support and so we are delighted to have the backing of Steve Brine. The NHS needs to know how to help, and the Government needs to know it can’t wait.”
Since taking up his new position as Winchester’s MP, Steve Brine has joined the All Party Group for Autism and is now its’ Vice Chairman. He adds; “I’ve met a good number of people in Winchester who suffer from autism or are struggling with education for their children with the condition. Through the new group I hope to bring many of their issues to the attention of Government including access to secondary and post-19 education locally because we are not doing well enough at the moment in too many cases.”
Pictured; Steve Brine at the launch of the You Need to Know campaign in the House of Commons (full rights of use permitted).