Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Autism and Neurodiversity Research Funding

16 November 2021 · 3 other contributors

Opened by Robert Buckland Con South Swindon

Justice & CourtsScience & TechnologyMental Health

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Robert Buckland raised concerns about autism and neurodiversity research funding in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Robert Buckland discussed ongoing challenges faced by people with autism and neurodiversity, including high mortality rates, low employment rates, and overrepresentation in mental health detention and the criminal justice system.
  • Gillian Keegan thanked Robert Buckland for his debate and highlighted several government initiatives aimed at improving the lives of autistic individuals and those with neurodiversity.
  • The Minister mentioned the publication of a new National Autism Strategy and noted commitments to training frontline staff and developing guidance for children in custody with brain conditions.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Robert Buckland Con South Swindon

Robert Buckland, in his first Adjournment debate in over eight years, discussed the ongoing challenges faced by people with autism and neurodiversity. He highlighted that while significant progress has been made since the Autism Act 2009, there are still substantial issues such as high mortality rates, low employment rates, and disproportionate numbers of autistic individuals ending up in mental health detention or the criminal justice system. Buckland emphasised the need for better diagnosis, support, and treatment throughout a person's life and acknowledged local organisations in his constituency working to address these challenges.

Other contributors (3)
  • Simon Hoare Con North Dorset

    Acknowledged the importance of raising awareness about autism and the need for better support systems.

  • Bob Neill Con Hendon

    Discussed challenges in diagnosing autism, particularly among women and girls, and mentioned the importance of addressing these issues to improve outcomes.

  • Eleanor Laing Con Epping Forest

    Addressed procedural issues ensuring all interventions are heard clearly by the Chair.

Government Response

Gillian Keegan

Gillian Keegan thanked Robert Buckland for securing the debate and acknowledged his significant contributions to improving awareness and understanding of autism. The Minister highlighted several key initiatives, including a national call for evidence on neurodiversity in the criminal justice system which resulted in commitments to training frontline staff and developing guidance for children in custody with brain conditions. She also mentioned the publication of the new National Autism Strategy, backed by over £74 million funding for its first year implementation. Keegan discussed ongoing efforts to improve employment opportunities, social care, and research into autism, emphasising a strategic approach to ensure areas receiving less investment are prioritised. The Minister concluded by expressing her commitment to working with Buckland and other Members to support the lives of autistic people and their families.

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