Why we need an autism strategy in Peterborough

I know the problems this condition causes. Autistic people see, hear and feel the world differently to other people. Not everyone’s brain works the same way and autism is not an illness or disease. Nor can it be changed.

It affects people in different ways. Understanding and relating to others can be harder. Some people with autism find the world overwhelming, causing them considerable anxiety. Others just feel ‘different’ and find themselves misunderstood in social situations.

It is a hidden condition and much more common than most people think. Around 700,000 people in the UK have autism, which is around 1 in 100. You will meet people with autism every day, whether you know it or not.

Those people can have any cultural, religious or social background, although it appears to affect more men than women. It also affects some more severely than others.

But although it’s a condition for life, everyone on the autism spectrum can learn and develop. A more fulfilling life of their own choosing is possible, with support and wider understanding.

This is a real issue for many people in Peterborough, who tell me about the inadvertent challenges that confront them. Local parents with a child who has autism often face particular difficulties. That’s why we need to do more.

The council motion was put forward by the excellent Conservative councillor for Bretton, Chris Burbage. It commits the city council to engage with health and social care organisations, education, the police, charities, people with autism and their families and carers. The list includes me and Shailesh Vara MP. Working together with all of us, the council will draft an autism strategy. This will be a practical approach to improving lives of those with autism and make this an autism-friendly city.

Council officers will identify opportunities for frontline staff to receive special training, ensuring that residents get the right services and support. The same training will be offered to councillors.

This is real progress. I am proud that our councillors are taking this action. (I am actually writing this column some hours before the vote to meet the Telegraph’s print deadlines – but I’m sure my celebrations aren’t premature and that the motion will be passed in its entirety).

I’m proud of our charities too, like Autism Peterborough and the Enabling Independence Service, both of which I’ll be meeting in the next few weeks to discuss the new strategy and what the Government might do to improve outcomes. I would also like to mention Nazreen Bibi, who has done wonderful work on autism. Nazreen stood locally for the Labour Party in 2018 but proves how we can – and should – work together. My door is always open to her.

As she knows, the biggest issue remains getting a correct diagnosis. Too often, this is a struggle taking several years. Again, too often, this prevents the right support from social care or in school.

Local action needs to be matched by national action. The Autism Act is now over 10 years old. I’m part of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Autism, which has published excellent and wide-ranging recommendations on how we build on the progress of the last decade.