Motion NDM7124 Darren Millar

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes the publication of the Evaluation of the Integrated Autism Service and the Autism Spectrum Disorder Strategic Action Plan final report on the 1 April 2019.

2. Further notes the written statement made by the Minister for Health and Social Services published on the 3 April 2019.

3. Regrets that the Welsh Government voted against the implementation of the Autism (Wales) Bill.

4. Acknowledges that, whilst the Autistic Spectrum Disorder Strategic Action Plan Annual Report 2018-2019 outlines the Welsh Government’s approach to developing autism services in Wales, there are a lack of outcome measures within the report on the delivery of the Autistic Spectrum Disorder Strategic Action Plan 2016.

5. Recognises that whilst some progress has been made to improve autism services in Wales, there are inconsistencies in the service and support offered which impacts on outcomes for autistic people and their families.

6. Calls on the Welsh Government to ensure the long-term sustainability of the integrated autism service and to deliver high quality autism support services by:

a) providing sufficient support and services to autistic people and their families that reflects the wide range of needs that they may have; ensuring that the service meets the expectations of users and strengthens the autistic voice by moving beyond autism awareness to autism empowerment;

b) developing a clear and consistent monitoring system to allow for more effective reporting of outcomes for autistic people;

c) clarifying the future funding arrangements for the integrated autism service beyond the initial funding period of March 2021 to provide certainty for service users;

d) placing the integrated autism service within a broader approach to support autistic people and to deliver the ‘priorities of action’ outlined in the Refreshed Autistic Spectrum Disorder Strategic Action Plan, including increasing education and employment opportunities;

e) working to implement the recommendations of the Evaluation of the Integrated Autism Service and the Autism Spectrum Disorder Strategic Action Plan as soon as practical.