MP MARIE Rimmer called for more Government action to make sure children with autism are not left behind in the education system due to lack of support.

During a Westminster debate on Wednesday (October 19), the MP for St Helens South & Whiston highlighted evidence from the National Autistic Society, which shows almost one in six children waited for more than three years to get support after concerns were first raised.

Marie also called for the Government to look again at the issue and increase the support given to local authorities to help speed up services.

Speaking after the debate, Marie said: "The Government introduced the new SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disability) system as part of the 2014 Children and Families Act. Two years on and still too many families are facing an uphill struggle to get support.

"Every child with autism deserves an education that helps them to reach their potential. The Government needs to act now to improve identification, diagnosis waiting times and ensure support is put in place much more quickly.

 "I'll continue to work with the National Autistic Society, local families and other charities to push for improvements to support for those on the autism spectrum."

 In 2014, the Government implemented a the SEND system to improve the support given to children with Special Educational Needs and reduce waiting times.

 According to the MP's office, Department for Education statistics show that just 18 per cent of children with SEN statements have been transferred onto new Education, Health and Care plans two years into a six-year transition.