AUTISM AWARENESS WEEK

Early day motion 1225, tabled 15 May 2003 by Ian Gibson (Labour). Signed by 125 members.

That this House welcomes the launching of Autism Awareness Week from 11th to 18th May, an initiative of the National Autistic Society; believes that the efforts of the Autism Awareness Campaign UK to lobby for more public services in 2003, European Year for People with Disabilities should be supported; notes the Autism Awareness Campaign suggestion for an Autism Compact with Employers will help autistic people access the world of work; views with concern the lack of funding for services for people with autism; calls upon the Government to initiate assessments and a special qualification for people with autism in order for them to survive in a highly competitive job market; and calls on Her Majesty's Government to provide specialist speech therapy for autistic children with communication disorders irrespective of where they live.

Signatures by party: Labour 72, Liberal Democrat 25, Conservative 12, Labour/Co-operative 6, DUP 3, Scottish National Party 3, Plaid Cymru 2, UUP 2.