We are so proud of this one…

For years Cllr Sean Rhodes has been fighting to get preschool children in South Gloucestershire, who’re on the diagnosis waiting list for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), access to speech and language therapy.

Until now, they haven’t been able to access it until after their diagnosis – something which can take a long time to finally receive.

It’s put South Gloucestershire parents in a dilemma: avoid trying to get an ASD diagnosis but have access to speech and language therapy, or try and get an important diagnosis but forego access to vital therapy at a pivotal time in the child’s development.

South Gloucestershire Labour felt so strongly about this, we made it a manifesto pledge ahead of the 2023 election.

We are delighted to say, after working with the Integrated Care Board and healthcare provider Sirona, children on the ASD diagnosis waiting list will now be able to access speech and language therapy as well!

The changes are due to come in later this year.

Another manifesto pledge delivered ✅

Check out the video from Sean below for more 👇