Post on the National Autistic Society’s ‘You Need to Know’ Campaign 16/03/2011
Posted by Jacob Rees-Mogg, MP for North East Somerset, at 17:40, Wed 16 March 2011:
One of the most impressive people I have met since being elected is a young constituent from West Harptree called Ralph. He is playing a leading role in the National Autistic Society’s ‘You Need to Know’ campaign to raise awareness of the condition. It aims to improve support for children with autism and mental health problems as 71% of children with autism suffer in this way.
Ralph has been to Westminster to lobby Parliament twice since I was elected and both times has taken a leading role in the meetings. Last week, he both starred in the Society’s video and asked searching questions of the Members of Parliament who were present. He is among a group of young campaigners who have developed a charter for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). These twelve points emphasise the different problems that people with autism can face and that it is not simply a box in which they can be put. It covers some things that may happen by thoughtlessness and ought to be avoided. However, it is also positive in asking for more information, encouraging choice and suggesting an integrated approach with educational services.
Ralph, who is himself autistic, is a magnificent example of what individuals can achieve. In combination with the National Autistic Society he is changing people’s attitudes towards autism to ensure that the available help is known about. Not all people with autism have mental health problems but those who do can have their future transformed by receiving the right help at the right time.
www.jacobreesmogg.com
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