Councillor's autism 'benefits politics'
BBCA councillor has said politics would benefit from having more neurodivergent people involved.
Anna-Maria Toms has three autistic children and was recently diagnosed with autism herself.
The 49-year-old, who has represented Harrowgate Hill in Darlington for the Green Party since 2023, campaigns for more support and inclusion for neurodivergent people.
She believes involving more people with first-hand experience would help shape policy and make sure it is "fit for purpose".
Ms Toms said autism brings benefits to her political work.
"I think that we like to do our research and make sure that everything we're talking about is correct", she said.
"And we're excellent problem-solvers and we can find the gaps in things that other people can't see."
'Quite daunting'
She said some aspects of political life did cause her concern when she entered politics.
"Politics does feel quite scary at first and campaigning does seem like a huge task.
"Knocking on somebody's door and speaking to them can be quite daunting."
As she is sensitive to bright lights and loud noise she sometimes asks for the lights and volume to be turned down at council meetings.
She said other other councillors and council officers had been supportive, while the chance to tackle community issues had proved rewarding.
Councillor Matthew Snedker, who also represents the Greens in Darlington, said: "It's a definite strength for us to have someone like Anna-Maria in our party and she makes a great councillor.
"She brings a new way of thinking."