Published: 05 February 2007
Improving the Life of Autistic People
A draft strategy that aims to improve the quality of life for people with autism has been published by the Welsh Assembly Government.
The draft Strategic Action Plan for Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is backed by an extra £1.7m funding for local authorities in 2007 - 2008 to help them to review existing provision for children and young people with autism and to implement improvements.
All organisations from health, education and social services are being tasked with working together more closely to put the needs of people with autism and their families at the heart of decisions about their care.
The Assembly Government has worked with people with autism, their families, carers, public and voluntary organisations and the autism charities to develop the draft strategy.
The Health and Social Services Minister Dr Brian Gibbons and the Education Minister Jane Davidson launched the document for consultation at the Celtic Nations Autism Partnership in the Assembly Office Building.
Dr Gibbons said:
"Autism affects people of all ages though its impact may change and moderate with age. It typically starts off when someone is young and lasts a lifetime.
The autistic spectrum ranges from people with severe learning disabilities, with little or no verbal communication through to those with an average or high IQ.
While there are different groups of people with autism, all share the same difficulties, such as problems communicating, interacting with others, rigid behaviour patterns and difficulties in adapting to new situations and often prefer routine to change.
The nature and severity of its impact on a person's life can vary significantly, and because of the nature of autism, people fall into gaps between services.
It is therefore important that all professionals and agencies work together to ensure their needs are properly assessed and addressed."
Jane Davidson added:
"The plan covers adult and children's services and identifies responsibilities at national and local levels. It aims to raise awareness, to iron out inconsistencies and to spread good practice.
Among the actions set out in this document, commissioners and providers of services for people with autism will identify and record the number of people with autism, as well as work to estimate current and future demand for services.
The extra £1.7million for this year will enable local authorities to provide autistic children with a statement of their special educational needs (SEN) and to provide the appropriate specialist support services.
We will also be issuing guidance to councils on the development of regional provision of services for children with SEN and later this year publish Quality Standards for the education of children with autism.
We will be funding a post to promote regional networks and/or a Wales network to share information and best practice and to take forward work on the Action Plan."
Hugh Morgan, the Chief Executive of Autism Cymru, said:
"The publication of the Welsh Assembly Government's ASD Strategic Action Plan is an important step-forward for autism in Wales.
I strongly urge all those connected with autism in Wales to take the opportunity to give their feedback to the government on this consultation report, so that their views can be fully considered."
Chris Peach, National Autistic Society Cymru National Director, added:
"People with autism and their families and carers face many challenges everyday, so it's vital that this action plan makes a real and positive difference to their lives.
This is an important time for people affected by autism in Wales; it's crucial that as many people as possible take part in the consultation to ensure their views are heard."
The number of people being diagnosed with autism is increasing, but it is not clear whether this is down to increased awareness & improved diagnosis or an increase in prevalence.
Improved diagnosis and greater awareness must certainly account for some of the increase.
There are a number of definitions of Autism, but for the purpose of this Strategic Action Plan, the Welsh Assembly Government has adopted the following World Health Organisation (WHO) definition:
‘The term autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) is used to describe the group of pervasive developmental disorders characterised by qualitative abnormalities in reciprocal social interactions and in patterns of communication and by a restricted, stereotyped, repetitive repertoire of interests and activities.’
People are invited to comment on the draft Autistic Spectrum Disorders document that is out to consultation until 25 May 2007. Consultations generally run for a 12-week period but when consulting with people with learning difficulties that is extended to 16 weeks.
Comments on the consultation should be sent to:
Penelope Davies
Children’s Health and Social Services Directorate
Welsh Assembly Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff CF10 3NQ
Further information
Draft Strategic Action Plan for Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
NHS Wales
Autism Cymru
National Autistic Society Cymru
Public Autism Awareness Forum
Related article: Helping Children with Autism to Recognise Human Emotions
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