This week marks World Autism Awareness Week. For many autism charities it’s a fantastic opportunity for schools, workplaces and individuals to take part in activities to raise money and awareness of autism.
There’s still a great deal of work to be done to help start addressing some of the many hurdles faced by Wales’ autism community.
Against this backdrop and whilst the topic of autism is high on the political agenda, we have an excellent opportunity to reiterate the case for primary legislation here in Wales to put services for people living with autism on a statutory footing.
Currently, despite Welsh Government action, many people living with autism simply do not have access to the services that they need. Children with autism are without appropriate education and assistance, both before and after the transition to adulthood and independence. Adults with autism are neglected and have limited support in finding employment and training opportunities.
It’s a worrying state of affairs, but the introduction of primary legislation is a step in the right direction as it will ensure that services for both children and adults are put on a statutory footing.
We have a fantastic opportunity to make this a reality.
I have been working with fellow Assembly Members, third sector organisations and people living with autism to draft a Bill to ensure that the needs of Wales’ 34,000-strong autism community are enshrined into law.
Indeed, I’ve just launched a second consultation to invite interested parties to have their say on the Bill in its current form. It’s been great to receive so much feedback to the initial consultation last year and I hope that I’ve been able to incorporate as many points as possible into the drafting of this Bill.
The whole process has enabled me to engage with people right across the country and hear their views on how autism services should be delivered across Wales.
If successful, this piece of legislation would mean that health boards and councils would be legally required to specify what services they need to deliver, as well as expanding upon the Welsh Government’s autism strategy. This Bill could ensure that there are clear pathways to diagnosis, and help staff dealing with people with autism to get the training they need.
It’s a significant opportunity for the National Assembly to introduce laws which have a profoundly positive influence on the community, and I sincerely hope that it will continue to enjoy the support of members of all parties.
Similar laws exist in other parts of the UK – and it’s time for the same rights to be extended to people with autism in Wales.
So whilst Autism Awareness Week gives us the chance to reflect on some of the good work that has already been done – let’s also look forward to the opportunities that we still have to support the autism community in Wales.
