Autism: Parenting Support Programmes
Debate between Lord Sterling of Plaistow and Baroness Blake of Leeds
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
It will not come as any surprise to noble Lords that I support my noble friend completely on this. In those early days when the suspicion starts to arise, there is absolutely no substitute for having someone you can go and talk to in confidence, without escalating a situation, and to share experiences with. As she rightly highlights, the charity sector can signpost people to the support available and show them how to get on track in the system, moving towards diagnosis and further support.
Lord Sterling of Plaistow (Con)
My Lords, even if we had all the money in the world, I suggest that our real problem is that it will take years to build up the number of people who understand this and have the relevant experience. How would the Minister respond to that view?
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
The noble Lord raises an interesting point. At the moment, we are talking more openly and exchanging more information about what is actually happening because more people are sharing experiences, putting in place support networks and raising awareness. There are still too many people—whether in our education sector or in businesses and employment—who do not understand the needs of autistic people in particular, although we are talking about learning disabilities across the piece. We are on a very steep learning curve, but the most important thing is that we get provision in place to help people at the time of greatest need.