Plans for a new specialist autism school in the borough should come as welcome news for parents of children who suffer from the condition. Although plans are only at a preliminary stage and funding is still to be secured, Solihull council is showing it wants to address the lack of specialist provision for children with autism – as outlined in December’s CQC report into the borough’s SEND services. The Observer has heard how a lack of understanding of this invisible condition, among others, has caused distress and confusion for many families. But parents could treat this as an opportunity to become involved with the planning process and hold the council to account. Councillor Ken Meeson says he wants increased communication with additional needs support groups and this can only be good news for Solihull’s children with special needs.