Autism Reality Experience Believe in Basildon

Today I was in Colchester and had the chance to go on the Autism Experience Bus.

It was a powerful and, at times, overwhelming insight into what autistic people can experience in everyday settings like home, school and the workplace. The sensory challenges, the noise, the pressure, the constant need to process the world differently. It really makes you stop and think.

I found it genuinely enlightening. It reinforced just how important it is that we listen, understand and support people properly, especially through education and local services.

That is why it is so concerning to hear Nigel Farage, Richard Tice and Sam Journet dismiss SEND support and suggest it is not real and vow to cut it. It shows a complete lack of understanding about the lived experience of so many families.

If you spend even a short amount of time in an environment like that bus, you quickly realise this is not abstract or exaggerated. It is real, and it matters.

We have a responsibility to stand up for proper support, not tear it down. That’s what Labour Councillors will do if you elect us on May 7th.

To watch the video please click the following link and hit play on the video of Gavin Callaghan