A CHANGE in the law proposed by a south Bucks MP has moved a step closer after the Government voted in its favour.

The planned Autism Bill – which would make it a legal requirement for authorities in Britain to keep records of the number of people who suffer from the condition – had its second reading passed in Parliament on Wednesday.

It was suggested by Chesham and Amersham MP Cheryl Gillan through a Private Member's Bill earlier this year.

The National Autistic Society said it was “delighted” the proposal had the support of Parliament – and hoped the Autism Bill would become law.

Mark Lever, the society's chief executive, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Government is prepared to take decisive action to tackle the shocking lack of help which leaves people affected by autism feeling isolated, ignored and often at breaking point.

“The Autism Bill has passed a major and crucial hurdle on the road to becoming law but there's still some way to go.

“Autism is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition, and without the right support it can have a profound and sometimes devastating effect on individuals and families so we will keep working with the Government to ensure the Autism Bill can deliver where it is really needed.”

Figures from the National Autistic Society suggest only two local authorities in the country know how many adults there are with autism in their area – and two thirds do not know how many children suffer autism.

Research also found a third of adults with autism are experiencing serious mental health difficulties due to a lack of help.

Mrs Gillan said: “This is a real turning point for the thousands of people affected by autism who have been unable to get the help they desperately need and I look forward to working with the Government to make this vitally important Bill a reality.”

The third and final reading of the Bill will take place on June 19.