"I am here today to urge you not to forget people like my brother."

On Tuesday 15th October NAS ambassador Sam Mukherjee, accompanied by her brother Indi, spoke at our parliamentary reception for Push for Action. Read the full transcript of her moving speech, below.


"My name is Sam; I am a research psychologist and the proud sister of an amazing individual. My little (big!) brother is Indi, he is 18 and we are just about managing to keep our heads abreast. Indi was diagnosed with severe autism and learning difficulties at 2.5 years. We knew something was askew when he didn't reach his childhood milestones, he was reticent and found it extremely difficult to engage with everyone around him. I can only imagine how isolated he must have felt. The diagnosis was the first step towards the right direction for Indi as well as the rest of the family. However, it's an ongoing battle.

"Indi uses very simple Makaton (which is a sign language), gestures, pictures and has a limited vocabulary to communicate how he feels. He navigates society and its social structure via a series of simple and finite guides, timetables and social stories. The world is incredibly difficult to orientate himself to and hence exceedingly difficult to navigate. He is an incredibly polite, loving, astute, caring and emotionally aware individual. But the rigid thinking structures, limited social skills and communication defer him from living what you and I would call a neurotypical life.

"It's been incredibly difficult to get the support he needs. We are in austere times and that has made it even harder to find support. Indi goes to a specialist school in his borough for children and young people with a learning disability. However, his SEN statement lasts until 19. Post 19 education is extremely difficult to navigate as placements are dependent on funding. There are very few specialist services available to help young people like my brother. He needs appropriate independent living or life skills. I want him to achieve his fullest - as much independence and self sufficiency as possible. If that means he can make his own cup of tea, without any prompts or verbal suggestions then that is fantastic.

"His extremely trusting nature and lack of communication skills make him incredibly vulnerable. And of course we are not the only family that has had to go through endless meetings to get even the most basic of supports. Last year was extremely turbulent as Indi went through and is still going through transition- that is moving from children's to adult services. We have just started respite for him - so he goes away twice a month for an overnight stay. That gives him and us a much needed reprieve. We have had to deal with school site movement- which led to a complete breakdown for Indi; lack of care or support providers and uncertainty about Indi retaining his school placement. So that's worrying about education, health and social services all at the same time.

"Don't get me wrong, we have moments of exceeding highs and triumphs but they are mixed with a continuing inertia of lows. Having access to adequate and much needed support services is a constant issue and a constant battle. Add to that Indi is whom we see to have substantial needs. I can only imagine how much more difficult it is for those on the moderate to mild scale on autism.

"Currently, efforts are being made to implement the strategy in my borough and I am trying to aid in that but in austere times when everyone is fighting for the same thing- which is essentially more support, I feel that those who are least vocal will get left behind. That means people like my brother who don't have a voice to begin with and are unable to highlight their plight. I am here today to urge you that please don't forget them. Please remember the vulnerable who need our support the most."