A REDBRIDGE dad’s campaign for more work experience opportunities for autistic children has the support of MP Lee Scott.

Ivan Corea, founder of the UK Autism Foundation in George Lane, South Woodford, was inspired to organise the campaign as his 15-year-old boy has the condition.

And now Mr Scott, MP for Ilford North, is to introduce a Private Member’s Bill in July.

The Bill says there should be more apprenticeships and work experience opportunities for children with special educational needs.

Mr Corea said: “We hope that Lee’s Private Member’s Bill will open up the world of work to young people with autism who are able to work. Lee is deeply committed to parents, carers and the autism community in Redbridge.”

Mr Corea has previously suggested introducing an Autism Compact, which would require employers to learn about autism and autistic children to learn about the requirements of work.

He said: “My 15-year-old son Charin has autism and will he get the same opportunities that others get? Are they going to be given work experience?”

Charin, who attends St John’s Roman Catholic Special School in Turpins Lane, Woodford Green, is in year nine and it is unlikely that he will take GCSEs because of the pressure they would put him under.

But his dadr is confident that, if given the chance, his son could use his computer skills and imagination to become a game designer – but added it was a “battle and struggle” to get him work experience others his age take for granted.

He said: “He’s a real whizz on computers and I want the Government to give him the same opportunities that all other children get.”