Autism services in Wales to benefit from new ‘joined-up’ approach

A national autism service is to be set up in Wales, the Welsh Government has announced.

Officials say the new service will offer a more “joined up” approach – bringing together children’s autistic teams with health boards as well as creating specialist teams for adults.

It comes amid criticism from the National Autistic Society, who said provision for people with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) in Wales was patchy.

The new service is being backed by £6 million from the Welsh Government and will be rolled out across Wales over the next three years.

Health Minister and Labour AM Mark Drakeford said the bold move would build on the Welsh Government’s ASD Strategic Action Plan.

He said: “This refreshed action plan sets out our commitment to support children, young people and adults with ASD throughout their lives.

“We want to ensure their needs are understood and there is enough information and support to enable them to lead fulfilling lives.

“It will ensure there is consistency across the country, ensuring people are able to access comparable services.”

The Welsh Government’s plans will now be subject to a 12-week public consultation.

The Welsh Conservatives, Labour’s main rivals in the Welsh Assembly, welcomed the idea of a national autism service.

However, party leader Andrew RT Davies said ministers should go a step further with legislation.

In England, an Autism Act became the first piece of disability-specific law seven years ago.

Mr Davies said: “There is a lack of statutory identity for autism in Wales. Only 15% of people with autism are in full-time work and it is clear there needs to be more support for those on the autistic spectrum and their families in Wales.”

Autism is a lifelong disability which affects how people communicate with and relate to other people.

It is estimated 30,000 have the condition in Wales.

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