CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

That this House recognises that 70 per cent. of children with autism develop mental health problems; notes that 10,000 children with autism access child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) every year; further notes that according to new research from the National Autistic Society, CAMHS will not improve the mental health of two thirds of these children; acknowledges the devastating impact this has on children and their families; agrees that CAMHS professionals working with children with autism need to understand autism; congratulates the National Autistic Society for highlighting these issues in its You Need to Know campaign; and urges the Government to take decisive action to improve the support available to children with autism and mental health problems and their families.