Dame Rebecca Harris MP has shown support for the National Autistic Society’s call for the Government to tackle inequality for autistic people and keep them at the heart of policy decisions.

She attended the National Autistic Society’s event in Westminster, to learn more about the charity’s new report 'A Constant Fight: The Reality of Autistic People's Struggle for Support Across Health and Social Care, Education, Employment and Mental Health'. 

At the event, Dame Rebecca Harris MP heard directly from autistic people who have experienced barriers to getting the support they need in their lives. She commented: “I am proud to support the National Autistic Society and their report which reveals the glaring struggles faced by those with autism in obtaining the care and support they deserve. It is crucial that the Government address shortfalls in the education, employment, health and mental health of autistic people. The work undertaken by the National Autistic Society is an essential part of raising this awareness and generating change.”

Mel Merritt, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the National Autistic Society, said: “We were pleased Dame Rebecca Harris MP attended our A Constant Fight event in parliament and was able to hear directly from autistic people about the struggles they face in their daily lives and how urgently change is needed. Autistic people and their families can face a constant fight for support, from diagnosis and education to healthcare, mental health support, employment and beyond. The constant fight is exhausting and is blighting autistic people's lives, and it can have devastating consequences.”

Autism affects over 700,000 adults and children across the UK, a disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. The National Autistic Society provides support, information and advice so that those with autism can get a diagnosis and find the right education and employment.