During a parliamentary debate to celebrate World Autism Awareness Week, Member of Parliament for Erewash Maggie Throup highlighted some of the practical issues affecting local residents.

Maggie said: “During the debate I highlighted the consequences for children if they do not get a timely diagnosis. As well as coping with the condition, lack of diagnosis can really affect their education and have a knock on effect on their whole family.

“The provision of support and pathways for diagnosis are determined locally, but I felt it was important to take this opportunity to highlight the issues to the Health Minister directly.

“Sadly there is a lack of understanding of people on the autism spectrum and I hope, along with the campaign recently launched by the National Autistic Society, the debate will have helped improve understanding in a small way.”