KATE Green, MP for Stretford and Urmston, and a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Autism, has pledged to promote more autism awareness in Trafford, at a reception in parliament.

The event, attended by nearly 100 MPs, was also attended by the president of the National Autistic Society, the actress Jane Asher.

Ms Green met families from Trafford and heard moving testimonies from people living with autism, a lifelong condition which affects over 3,000 people in every Parliamentary constituency.

Jane said: “Awareness of the word autism has increased dramatically since I first became involved many years ago, but understanding of this complex condition is still desperately low, that’s why I'm very grateful that so many Parliamentarians came to the event.

“Parliamentarians have the power to make a real change in the lives of those with autism by helping us to spread understanding among their local communities. I do hope they will work with us in trying to make the world a more welcoming place for those affected and their families."

Earlier this year, Ms Green visited High Functioning Trafford, a group set up and run by parents of children on the autistic spectrum to provide activities for their children, support and advice.

The MP said: “I was impressed and moved by what I heard from people living with autism.

“More than 1 in 100 people in the UK have the condition and many have battled to get their needs identified, diagnosed, understood and then met.

“We heard how negative public attitudes and misconceptions about autism can harm families and individuals and limit their opportunities.

“I plan to actively promote more awareness in Stretford and Urmston to improve access to public spaces, employment and services, such as the new autism friendly resources for the Trafford Centre.

"This will enable more people living with autism to play an active role in their community and to achieve their full potential.”