Mike Hedges welcomes news that Autism services in Wales improving

Mike Hedges welcomes news that Autism services in Wales improving

More people with autism in Wales are now experiencing quicker access to better services as a result of additional investment put in place by the Welsh Government, Health and Social Services Secretary Vaughan Gething said today.

Mike Hedges said… This is great news for people in my constituency! I have met families affected by Autism and it is debilitating condition for people suffering with it and their families and carers. The 2016 plan outlined the Welsh Government’s commitment to addressing the issues affected by Autism and their families. I am aware of new facilities for pupils with Autism in Birchgrove Comprehensive and how the pupils attending the facility are benefitting from the new facilities.

In 2016, the Welsh Government published a new Autistic Spectrum Disorder Strategic Action Plan, backed by a £13m investment in new Integrated Autism services across Wales.

The first annual report on the delivery of the Action Plan is being published today, and sets out what has been achieved during the last year.  

Achievements include:

·         Improving services - The establishment of a National Integrated Autism service is creating consistent support for autistic people across Wales. Services are already operating in Cardiff and Vale, Cwm Taf, Gwent and Powys, it will be launched in North Wales next week and will be operational in Western Bay and West Wales later this year. 

·         Improving waiting times for assessment - Since 2015 the Welsh Government has invested an additional £2m a year in children’s neurodevelopmental services. In November 2017, a new 26 week waiting time standard from referral to first assessment appointment was introduced, which is now being piloted. 

·         Raising awareness - The extension of the Learning with Autism programme. In addition to the primary schools scheme, the secondary school and early years schemes have been launched and are being rolled out. 80 schools have now completed the primary school programme, with nearly 13,000 children becoming autism super heroes. The Can You See me campaign is also being delivered, aimed at improving awareness of autism in local communities.  The campaign film and resources are being rolled out in partnership with local parents, carers and businesses across Wales.