John Lamont, MP recently took part in a National Autistic Society virtual Understanding Autism session. He learned more about autism, how autistic people have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak, and how to better support his autistic constituents.
There are around 700,000 autistic children and adults in the UK and a further three million family members and carers too. The National Autistic Society believes that increasing MPs’ awareness and understanding of autism is a really important step in improving their ability to support and champion the issues that matter to autistic people, both in Parliament and in their constituencies.
The session was held by autistic adult George Stanbury who noted how crucial it is for parliamentarians and their staff to be more aware of the challenges autistic people can face. Mr Lamont agreed that with understanding, patience and sensitivity, MPs could make a big difference to the way they support and represent their autistic constituents.
John Lamont MP said: “I was delighted to take part in the Understanding Autism session - and am grateful to the National Autistic Society and All Party Parliamentary Group on Autism for organising it.
“I know that understanding autism is important here in the Scottish Borders, with many constituents emailing me to ask me to join the session.
“It was fantastic to meet George at the National Autistic Society’s first ever virtual session.
“I am committed to representing everyone in the area and this of course includes autistic people and their families. I hope that this session will help me to better support and work alongside autistic people and families in the Borders.”
Caroline Stevens, Chief Executive at The National Autistic Society, said: "We were really pleased that Mr Lamont MP took part in our virtual Understanding Autism session.
“One in 100 people are autistic and many face problems getting the right education, social and health care. This has been even harder during the coronavirus pandemic, which has had a profound affect on autistic children, adults and their families. So it’s vital that MPs have a good understanding of what it can be like to be autistic and how they can better support autistic constituents as we come out of lockdown and in the future.
“We believe this absolutely crucial in improving representation for autistic people and their families, and making sure they get the right support.”
