I attended the National Autistic Society Parliamentary drop-in for an education briefing on their recent autism report.
Getting an autism diagnosis is really important. That's why i'll work with the newly rebuilt Hillingdon Hospital to set a target date so no one is waiting longer than 13 weeks for a diagnosis, as recommended by NICE.
I also am a strong supporter of local businesses, so it shocked me to learn that autistic people face the worst employment gap out of all disabled people. ONS data shows just 29% are in work. I will commit to halving the autism employment gap, and I'll start this by bringing it up to local business owners when I visit them in the constituency.
The SEND system crisis was a big topic in the drop-in and as a big SEND advocate, I am pleased to say I am already making a difference in my constituency: speaking to school leaders and the local council to raise the barriers SEND families face in receiving support and getting the right school.
I will continue to stand by the National Autistic Society, and support them in all ways possible.