A CHARITY supporting those affected by autism is linking up with an MP to help raise awareness of the condition.

Lewes MP Maria Caulfield has joined the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Autism.

The group - which is cross-party and extends across the House of Commons and House of Lords - is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected either directly or indirectly by autism.

Now Maria has joined up with Families for Autism - based in Eastbourne - to expand her knowledge and use her influence whenever possible.

She said: "I recently had the great pleasure of meeting with a group of parents in Lewes, who informed me of the daily struggles they are experiencing.

"Two specifics given were getting a diagnosis for their children, and the lack of educational specialist provision available for those affected by autism in East Sussex.

"I am therefore very much looking forward to working with other members of the APPG in order to bring about changes that can genuinely improve the lives of those struggling with the effects of autism."

Mark Jones, trustee and CEO at Families for Autism, said he is pleased at Maria's appointment.

He said: "Now that Maria has joined the group, this opens up a great opportunity for families in Lewes and East Sussex to take part in helping to make a real difference about autism at a national level.

"I am extremely proud that our charity will be partnered with Maria within an advisory capacity and working together, we can help to raise awareness of the condition through Families for Autism’s own member’s life experiences.

"We hope that our work will add strength to raising parliamentary awareness and look to support changes that will improve the lives of individuals on the autistic spectrum."

Priorities for the forthcoming year for APPG are schools training and support, employment, community care, reviewing the Autism act's progress, criminal justice and health.