Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru

National Assembly for Wales

Bil Awtistiaeth (Cymru) drafft

Draft Autism (Wales) Bill

Arolwg Ar-lein DAB115

Online Survey DAB115

Ymateb gan Cyfrannog ar-lein 115

Evidence from Online Participant 115

Please refer to questions in the Online Survey.

Question

Answer

01

Yes

02

No

There is enough confusion over 'what is autism' because it is a spectrum disorder and no 2 people who have autism are the same. To include other neurodevelopmental orders in the autism bill would serve to confuse, not clarify the definition of autism. The

03

Yes

Local authorities include agencies such as education, mental health, social work, the police - all agencies that will have dealings with autistic individuals and who will need to know about the spectrum in order to act in the individuals' best interest.

04

Yes

It's really important that people with autism are given the correct consideration and treatment so that their needs are met. Unless agencies are 'told' then real change will not happen

05

It is really important to get it right if this is going to become law and so 6 months seems to be a reasonable time.

06

As above

07

After it has been agreed, agencies will have that time to prepare for the changes

08

People wait an enormous amount of time for a diagnosis and an ADOS assessment. It has a huge effect on families, education and employment.

09

Assessments such as the ADOS should be carried out before diagnosis

10

Yes

11

Representations should also be considered from teachers who see children day to day in social and possibly stressful situations, who see them during periods of transition

12

ability to communicate and not having a confident advocate (usually parent / guardian)

13

Yes

14

Background information should be collected and not just on assessments. Observations should be included e.g. of Ed Psychs, paediatricians, teachers

15

It should be written in the guidance.

16

Yes

17

It should happen all the time.

It should happen at least annually in line with the National Autistic Society

The needs of autistic individuals should be considered on transport, in leisure facilities, in tourist attractions, in schools, further education, work places, shops, restaurants

This needs to be highlighted

18

It will increase the equality of services and service provision

It will be good for the justice system - many autistic individuals have got into trouble with the police / courts because of their social communication difficulties and misunderstandings, comorbidity conditions such as mental health / depression / anxiety, behaviours during 'meltdowns'

It will give help to the young people with autism with whom I work

19

Adherence to the Bill and its guidance should be checked. Too often, services are provided in name only and some parents / guardians are not aware of their rights and the provision that their children should be receiving.