Autism: Diagnosis Targets

Lord Sahota Excerpts
Tuesday 16th May 2023

(1 year, 7 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Markham Portrait Lord Markham (Con)
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Yes, when I talk about supply, it is in all these fields. There are organisations of which I have personal experience, including the National Autistic Society, which does tireless work and has helped me out personally. So I know just how good they are in this situation. Absolutely, the whole strategy in this space is to expand supply by both the private sector and the independent and charity sectors.

Lord Sahota Portrait Lord Sahota (Lab)
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My Lords, on autistic children, do the Government keep separate facts and figures for minority communities? I have encountered quite a few ethnic minority children who are suffering from autism. Are there separate facts and figures anywhere for these children?

Lord Markham Portrait Lord Markham (Con)
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Clearly, we pull together all the numbers. Typically, about 2.9% of children and young people are diagnosed with autism. I do not know whether that is different among ethnic minorities. I will happily research that and write to the noble Lord.