In an exclusive interview with PoliticsHome, Labour MP Cat Eccles provides a candid look into her journey and experiences as an autistic individual navigating the complex corridors of the UK Parliament. As Autism Awareness Day approaches, Eccles sheds light on her personal story and the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in Westminster, striving to create a more inclusive environment.
Early Experiences and Path to Diagnosis
Cat Eccles reflects on a childhood marked by feelings of not fitting in. Despite her parents’ efforts to involve her in social activities like dance classes and swimming, Eccles often found solace in adult company or immersing herself in her interests. This early sense of difference was a precursor to her later diagnoses of autism and ADHD, which she received much later in life after a protracted and challenging journey through the healthcare system.
The path to getting these diagnoses was not straightforward. Eccles recounts years of navigating a convoluted system, marked by misdiagnoses and treatments for severe depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Her eventual diagnosis in her late thirties was a revelation but also highlighted disparities in how autism is recognized in women, who often mask symptoms due to societal and cultural expectations.
Challenges in Parliament
Elected as the Labour MP for Stourbridge, Eccles brings her unique perspective to a place she describes as “bonkers” and “unlike anything”. She humorously remarks on the transition from structured work environments to the more abstract nature of parliamentary work, where time management becomes a personal responsibility beyond obligatory votes.
Nevertheless, adapting to the high-pressure environment of Westminster brings its challenges. Eccles finds certain aspects of the parliamentary estate particularly stressful, notably the sensory overload during Prime Minister’s Questions and the claustrophobic experience of voting lobbies. She advocates for changes, such as voting terminals, to accommodate MPs who may find traditional settings overwhelming.
Advocacy for Neurodivergent Inclusion
Eccles’s story serves as a powerful testament to the need for greater understanding and accommodation of neurodivergent individuals. She emphasizes the importance of providing training to MPs and across various industries to foster better comprehension and support for autism. This advocacy extends to legislative efforts, where Eccles supports initiatives like the Employment Rights Bill aimed at ensuring better workplace inclusivity.
Baroness Rock, who is spearheading a committee inquiry into the Autism Act 2009, echoes Eccles’s calls for continued progress. The prospect of appointing a commissioner for autistic issues is one of the potential recommendations aimed at enhancing accountability and implementing meaningful changes that directly benefit autistic individuals.
As Eccles shares her journey and aspirations ahead of Autism Awareness Day, she underscores the broader conversation about neurodiversity and the ongoing effort to transform Parliament into a space that truly reflects and accommodates diverse voices and experiences.
