My daughter, like many children with autism, faces unique challenges every day. One of the most pressing is her need for a wheelchair or mobility pram to ensure her safety and well-being outdoors. Recently, her wheelchair was taken away due to a change in the criteria used by the wheelchair services. This decision is not only unfair but poses a serious risk to the countless children who rely on these aids.

The new criteria implemented by our local wheelchair service now restricts access to wheelchairs and mobility prams solely to individuals who require them for indoor use. This shift excludes children with autism, who may not need a wheelchair indoors, but for whom a mobility device is crucial when navigating outdoor environments. The restricted access fails to acknowledge the diverse safety and health needs of children with autism, such as reducing sensory overload and preventing elopement.

Studies have shown that children with autism are more susceptible to sensory overload, which can be exacerbated by crowded outdoor settings or noisy environments. Mobility aids like wheelchairs and prams offer a safe haven, allowing these children to navigate the world with dignity and independence. The National Autistic Society notes that about one in a hundred people in the UK are on the autism spectrum, and a significant number of these individuals benefit from mobility aids to manage stress and anxiety when in public settings.

The decision to revise the criteria for wheelchair eligibility risks putting these children in harm's way, forcing families to manage difficult situations without adequate support. Given the critical role of mobility aids in the lives of children on the autism spectrum, it is imperative that we revert to the previous criteria, which rightfully included those who need mobility support outdoors.

I urge the decision-makers within our wheelchair services to reconsider this policy change. We need to restore our previous criteria to include all children whose safety, mobility, and quality of life depend on such supports, regardless of whether they are used indoors or outdoors.

We call on the community to support this cause and advocate for the children who are disproportionately affected by this exclusionary policy. Let us ensure that our children are granted the freedom and safety to explore the world beyond the confines of their homes.

Please sign this petition to stand up for the rights and safety of children with autism. Together, we can make a difference.