[vc_row][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Labour Mid and West AMs Joyce Watson and Eluned Morgan today welcomed the publication of the Welsh Government’s refreshed Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Plan.
The plan will be backed up by a new National Integrated Autism Service in April, supported by £6 million of Welsh Government funding over three years.
Earlier this month Joyce Watson met Nikki Williams, branch officer of Pembrokeshire’s National Autistic Society group, to talk about the charity’s concerns. Welcoming today’s news, Joyce said:
“This plan is a direct response to what residents and their families are telling me and I am pleased to see the Welsh Government taking this action to help people with autism and those that support them.”
Eluned Morgan said:
“Having met with the National Autistic Society, I recognise the concerns that families have. It’s important that where parents struggle to get correct advice or services they are supported wherever necessary.”
The revised plan sets out three areas for action:
1. Timely access to assessment and diagnosis is vital so that people’s needs are understood and appropriate services are put in place to provide the support they need. There will be a new 26 week waiting time for referral to first assessment appointment.
2. Children, young people and adults with autism and their carers will have different support needs according to their age and abilities. Ensuring that adults get specific support with anxiety and social relationships.
3. Address and identify gaps in information. The clear message the Welsh Government has had from families is they need more information about what is available. Welsh Government will invest in further resource materials to raise awareness of autism and provide training resources across professional groups
Rebecca Evans, Minister for Social Services and Public Health, said:
“People with autism and their families face challenges on a daily basis. This is why it is crucial that we ensure the support services they need are in place when, and where, they are needed.
“This refreshed Autistic Spectrum Disorder Strategic Action Plan responds to the priorities identified by people affected by autism. It clearly sets out our ambition to ensure public services work together to deliver quality, timely and consistent services, and our plans to continue to raise awareness of autism.
“These measures, including the new waiting time target for assessment, combined with changes already underway through the National Integrated Autism Service and Social Services and Well-being Act, will greatly improve the support available to people affected by autism in Wales.
“However, we are not being complacent. The implementation advisory group I am setting up will rigorously monitor and report on progress. We will take swift action to address any gaps in provision.”
Mrs Watson is a Commissioner with responsibility for promoting equality within the National Assembly for Wales. Commenting on the organisation’s recent accreditation as an Autism Friendly organisation, she added:
“We are delighted to once again be recognised as an organisation that takes the issue of equality of access very seriously. We are here to represent all of the people of Wales so have a duty to be ensure that our facilities, services and information are accessible to all.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
