Autism Bill

I am so pleased that my hon. Friend will not give in and that she is determined to press this matter. May I tell her about one of my constituents, whose son's story is a testament to why this measure is needed? I refer to Mrs. Christine Gilliam's son, Luke, who was not diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome until he was 10—a late diagnosis. Mrs. Gilliam had to fight for her son's statement of special educational needs, as so many parents have to do. He had to be accommodated in a mainstream school and was constantly bullied. There was a lack of support for his transition to adulthood and he ended up in Feltham young offenders institute. Mrs Gilliam wrote to me saying:""There is a huge need for support for these young adults. With the right help and environment they are lovely people. Without help or people on their side, their future is bleak."" Is that not why the Bill is so necessary?