EASTLEIGH MP BACKS HAMPSHIRE AUTISM CAMPAIGNERS IN QUEST FOR BILL

2.30.00pm GMT Fri 13th Feb 2009

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne welcomed leading Hampshire autism campaigners to the House of Commons to discuss growing support for the new private members' bill.

Chris met with Eastleigh resident Lisa Bundy, Swanmore resident Alyson Miller and the chief executive of the Hampshire Autistic Society, Andrew Monaghan.

Mrs Bundy, whose daughter Phoebe, aged 11, is at Freegrounds primary school in Hedge End, and Ms Miller, whose son Matthew, aged 12, is at Hope Lodge in Southampton, are backing the autism bill.

The bill, which stands a good chance of getting through if the Government supports it, will ensure that local councils identify children with autism and cater for their needs.

Mr Monaghan said: "Only about 400 of the likely 16,000 people with Autism in Hampshire are recognised as having the condition. It is the hidden disability because it is not about different physical features."

Chris Huhne said: "This is a worthy cause. Autism is an under-recognised condition that can blight the lives of many families if it is not handled with knowledge and sensitivity."