Pembrokeshire Assembly Members Paul Davies and Angela Burns have welcomed plans to bring forward and Autism Bill, which would form part of the legislative programme for a Welsh Conservative Government, following a visit to the local branch of the National Autistic Society. The legislation would ensure people with autism have additional support; and will improve understanding of the condition and prioritise timely diagnosis through statutory means. It should also place an emphasis on post-diagnostic support.

Paul Davies said, “Autism is a particular problem in Pembrokeshire, where the local NAS branch tell us that the wait for diagnosis is growing and could soon be 8-9 years. That’s why I’m proud that a future Welsh Conservative government has pledged to bring forward an Autism Bill for Wales which would see duties placed on public bodies to ensure that they are taking the right steps to give children and adults in Wales the care and support they deserve.

Angela Burns said, “Autism not only affects the individual but has endless repercussions for their families. Parents come to see me desperate for support that they simply are not receiving from local services. And we must also remember that children don’t grow out of being autistic, support services for adults are often woeful and leave sufferers feeling marginalised. We need to have a holistic and realistically funded support system in place”