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In 2016, Paula McGowan’s 18-year-old son Oliver McGowan died in what was described as an ‘avoidable’ death, after he was given anti-psychotic drugs, despite warnings from him and his family. He was autistic and had epilepsy and a learning disability.

She believes staff misunderstood his autistic behaviours and has since spent years campaigning for a new law requiring all health and social care staff in England to undergo mandatory training in autism and learning disability awareness. Last week this officially passed into law. Paula joined Andrea Catherwood on Â鶹Éç Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour to discuss why she dedicated so much time to her campaign.

A statement from the NHS Trust where Oliver was a patient says: ‘We continue to extend our sincere condolences to Oliver's family following his death. We remain deeply committed to working to improve our services for patients with autism and other neurodiverse needs.

‘We're absolutely committed to providing responsive, tailored and high-quality care for all of our patients, and embedding the Oliver McGowan training programme now this has been passed in law.’

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