Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru

National Assembly for Wales

Bil Awtistiaeth (Cymru) drafft

Draft Autism (Wales) Bill

Arolwg Ar-lein DAB106

Online Survey DAB106

Ymateb gan Cyfrannog ar-lein 106

Evidence from Online Participant 106

Please refer to questions in the Online Survey.

Question

Answer

01

Yes

02

Yes

We agree with the proposal outlined in this question

03

Yes

04

Yes

We agree with the proposal in Question 04 with the proviso that consultation with those relevant bodies takes place before the Welsh Ministers use their powers of direction over those bodies.

05

We would hope that the timeframe of no longer than six months for the Bill to be introduced following its coming into force would be adhered to if not implemented sooner?

06

We agree with section 3(2) of the draft Bill.

07

We agree with section 9 of the draft Bill.

09

Yes

We agree that the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder should be completed within 2 months following diagnosis. We regard this as very important as any delay would lead to a delay in individuals receiving support.

10

Yes

We agree that it would be useful to include a list of professionals who may form the multi-disciplinary team for diagnostic assessment however we have concerns that this list may be overambitious and possibly provide a stumbling block in terms of time it takes to diagnose and offer support for individuals, given the lack of funding in the Welsh NHS and the shortage of specific Welsh Health professionals at the present time. The availability of the listed professionals and the pivotal role they will play in the process of diagnostics and support is fundamental to the success of the Bill should it become legislation.

12

It appears at the present time that there is inequality of provision of certain services and treatment between Health Boards throughout Wales. We believe this inequality and lack of consistency could be a factor which may inappropriately prevent access to services and which should be alluded to in the Bill. Unless there is increased funding for any treatment and support which has to take place following diagnosis then we believe the impact of the Bill is limited.

13

Yes

14

We agree that there should be specific types of data collected by Welsh Ministers to enable them to carry out the functions under the Bill and that the list suggested would be useful to aid diagnosis.

15

It should be written on the Bill.

16

As long as  it does contravene any existing data protection legislation.

17

It should happen every 3 years.

18

We see this Bill as a very positive step forward in the understanding of autism spectrum and its future statutory treatment provision. It would be useful if the draft Bill could be benchmarked against similar existing legislation in Scotland, England and other European countries if this has not been done already. This would provide an opportunity to reformulate proposals if needed, thus avoiding possible adverse effects and increasing positive effects.

19

Overall we are broadly supportive of the principles of this legislation