Welsh Conservative AM, Paul Davies, has today launched a public consultation to help shape proposals for an Autism Act.

Mr Davies’ proposals were supported by two-thirds of Assembly members, after he was successfully drawn out of a ballot for back-bench legislation.

The Autism Bill’s aim is to improve service provision for children and adults with autism spectrum conditions in Wales, and to give the condition its own statutory identity.

Similar legislation exists in the rest of the UK, and critics have long called for people with Autism in Wales to be given the same statutory support.

Today’s consultation is part of the process of drafting a formal bill which could become enshrined in law if AMs once again back the proposals in the Senedd.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Davies said:

“The autism community is crying out for proper statutory identity, so that local authorities and health boards have a clear set of duties on the statute book.

“Services have been patchy in the past and an Autism Act could play a pivotal role in ensuring that people with this condition are given the support they need.

“This is a game-changing opportunity to ensure that Wales is leading the way in providing effective, consistent services for those affected by autism.

“We are now looking to the very people affected by this condition to help us to shape a piece of legislation that can give the Welsh Government’s autism strategy the teeth it needs.