Wales has moved a step closer to getting its own Autism Act after politicians backed a new law.
Welsh Assembly Members (AMs) voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Autism (Wales) Bill last Wednesday (14 June).
“I’m so passionate about this”: Paul Davies, whose Autism (Wales) Bill won the backing of the Welsh Assembly
Paul Davies, Preseli Pembrokeshire AM, put the proposed law before the Assembly in Cardiff.
It has several more stages to pass before becoming law.
If passed, the Bill would see health boards and councils specify which services they need to deliver. It would expand on the Welsh Government’s existing autism strategy.
‘Passionate’ about services in Wales
Speaking after the vote, Davies said services must improve. Families could wait up to seven years for an autism diagnosis.
He said: “That’s why I’m so passionate about this. That’s why I believe a bill of this nature would actually ensure those children and, indeed, adults across Wales would receive the right and appropriate services.”
Davies said the bill would ensure a “consistent pathway” to a diagnosis and enable staff to get training.
The Tory AM has 13 months to develop his bill before bringing it back to the Assembly.
Rebecca Evans is the Welsh Government’s Minister for Social Services. Speaking during the debate, she said the Welsh Government had “an open mind” about Davies’ bill.
But she confirmed the Welsh Government would bring forward its own “statutory guidance for autism”. This would underpin its autism strategy.
Targets for waiting times, educational support and job opportunities
The strategy details targets for waiting times for appointments, educational support and job opportunities.
Not all AMs expressed unreserved support for Davies’ bill.
Lee Waters, Labour AM for Llanelli, said he was voting to support Davies’ bill. But Waters wants an assurance that the government will not overlook services for other neurodevelopmental conditions.
He said it would be wrong to have legislation that “picks on just one condition”, while ignoring the suffering of families struggling with other neurodevelopmental conditions.
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Published: 18 June 2017
