Following the summer recess, the bill will be scrutinised by Health and Social Care Committee.

The proposed bill will:

• Introduce a strategy for meeting the needs of children and adults in Wales with autistic spectrum disorder conditions
• Ensure a clear pathway to diagnosis of autism in local areas
• Ensure that local authorities and Health Boards understand and take necessary action so that children and adults with autism get the timely support they need
• Establish a register of autistic children and adults so that local areas can plan accordingly
• Regularly review the strategy and guidance to ensure progress

The Welsh Government has proven reluctant to support the Bill despite the 34,000-strong autistic community in Wales expressing their support for the proposal.

Mr Davies said:

“There is overwhelming support for primary legislation and I sincerely hope the Welsh Government will be open minded and support this Bill.

“The introduction of primary legislation would ensure that services for both children and adults are put on a statutory footing, which is desperately needed to address some of the many hurdles faced by the Welsh autism community.

“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.

“Such a bill could ensure that there are clear pathways to diagnosis and help staff dealing with people with autism get the training they need, so I hope members from all political parties will back the Bill.

“This is a significant opportunity for the National Assembly to a bespoke piece of legislation which will have a profoundly positive influence on the autism community in Wales.”