Autism and the need for a timely diagnosis was the topic of a short debate at the National Assembly recently thanks to local Assembly Member Paul Davies. Mr Davies was selected for a short debate and decided to focus the debate around the delays in diagnosing autism in children, given that some children in Pembrokeshire wait up to seven years for a diagnosis.

Paul Davies said, "I was delighted to use my short debate to highlight that a timely diagnosis is absolutely essential for people with autism. This follows on from the work of the National Autistic Society's Pembrokeshire branch which launched a petition on this issue at the Assembly earlier this year. Sadly for some children in Pembrokeshire, they can start their education at four and be approaching eleven years of age and beginning secondary school before receiving an appropriate diagnosis – and that is unacceptable."

He added "I am pleased that matters now seem to be developing but it is still too slow. I accept that the local health board has now established an ASD action plan and it's crucial that this plan is now being implemented effectively. We need to see much more progress in the way services are delivered in Pembrokeshire and I will continue to monitor this issue over the coming months."