Autism campaign seeks to fit the pieces together

Linda Perham, Labour MP for Ilford North, last week launched the ribbon to be worn in the manner of others for Aids or breast cancer awareness. It was a parent in Ms Perham's constituency with a five-year-old autistic son who founded the first Autism Awareness Year, which is jointly run by the Disabilities Trust and the British Institute for Brain Injured Children.

During a Commons debate last week to inaugurate the awareness campaign, health secretary Yvette Cooper said, 'It is important that we acknowledge that autism is a complex condition that affects not only the individuals with the condition, but their families, siblings, parents, carers, teachers and schoolmates. It is not a simple problem to which there are simple solutions. The Government warmly welcomes Autism Awareness Year.' Dr Stephen Ladyman, Labour MP for South Thanet, said all children should be assessed as toddlers to discover whether they had autistic tendencies. He said, 'The more we intervene early and the more resources we put in, then as day follows night we will get better outcomes. People will need less support later in life and will be able to make a bigger and more viable contribution to supporting themselves.