When my son was first diagnosed with autism at the age of 3, I was worried about his future. He was non-verbal, and I had never heard him say 'mum'. However, everything changed when he was accepted into a specialist school in Tower Hamlets designed specifically for children with autism. The transformation was remarkable. In an environment tailored to his needs, with the right support and facilities, my son started to use words and communicate. Today, he is thriving in a way that mainstream education could not have facilitated.

Currently, Tower Hamlets, a borough in London, has very few dedicated schools for autistic children and a limited number of satellite schools. For a growing population and increasing number of children diagnosed with autism, this is simply not enough. Research from the National Autistic Society suggests that tailored education can drastically improve outcomes for autistic children, yet too many are stuck on waiting lists or in inappropriate placements due to the lack of available spaces.

We must act now to expand the provision of specialised schooling options for autistic children within Tower Hamlets. More schools need to be established and existing ones expanded to reduce waiting lists and ensure timely access to education environments that cater to their unique needs.

Proven successful interventions must be integrated into these educational settings. These include tailored curriculam, sensory-friendly spaces, and trained staff proficient in working with autistic children. Increased government funding and local council support are paramount in realising these changes. By investing in more specialised schools, we can offer every autistic child the chance to excel and develop the skills necessary for a fulfilling life.

We owe it to our children, like my son, whose potential can only be unlocked through specialised education. Please sign this petition to urge our local authorities and education leaders to prioritise the establishment and expansion of specialised schools for autistic children in Tower Hamlets.