Local Assembly Member Paul Davies AM has visited the NAS Cymru's Pembrokeshire Branch to meet with volunteers and parents of school children with autism. The local branch was set up in April for people affected by autism and it offers coffee mornings, social evenings and even an online support group for those affected by autism.

Paul Davies said "Whilst autism has been prominent on the Assembly agenda in recent years, many people affected by autism still go without the basic help they need, whether this is help in school or from social services. This visit was a great opportunity to meet with parents of school children affected by autism and to hear their concerns. Diagnostics in particular, seems to be a problem and I was surprised to hear that in some cases, it has taken up to seven years to diagnose a child with autism. Following this visit, I will be making representations to the relevant authorities, to investigate their diagnostics processes for autism."

"The local branch in Pembrokeshire does a fantastic job in raising awareness of some of the serious issues facing people with autism on a day-to-day basis. The group also provide levels of support by offering more direct advice and sharing experiences. I hope that adults and children across Pembrokeshire do get involved with the local branch and enjoy their facilities. I would also like to encourage people across Pembrokeshire to contact my office, should they have any concerns surrounding autism and I would be happy to make representations on their behalf."