Local MSP’s support the need for the Scottish Autism Strategy Bill

Wendy Alexander, Hugh Henry and Trish Godman met with the Renfrewshire Autism Carers Support Group on Monday 1st March.

Following the meeting the 3 MSPs unanimously agreed that they would be willing to support Hugh O’Donnell’s proposed Member’s Bill for a Scottish Autism Strategy.

In a joint statement the three politicians said, “As the families we met told us, supporting a child or adult with autism is a really tough challenge for any family. Scotland is getting left behind. Every other part of the U.K. – Wales, England, N Ireland – all now have national strategies in place which give families the right support. We are keen to support a Scottish Autism Strategy Bill.

Whilst we are waiting for action from the SNP in Holyrood, Renfrewshire must also put its own house in order. We heard good news and bad news from parents about local support. So we have now written to the new Director of Education and the Director of Social Work asking them to jointly meet the families – so they can do their bit to help improve services locally. A lot of what needs done is about knowledge and support – so it won’t necessarily cost a lot.”

Bernadette Collins, NAS Renfrewshire Branch Officer said “We were grateful to Renfrewshire’s 3 constituency MSPs for coming along together to hear our experiences as families caring for autistic children. We will be making our own submission to the proposed Bill. National action is vital. But we are hopeful the MSPs will succeed un persuading Social Work and Education bosses in Renfrewshire to also come along and hear what we have to say.”