COVID-19 and Autism

Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and Welsh Language – in the Senedd at 2:55 pm on 2 December 2020.

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Photo of Dawn Bowden Dawn Bowden Labour 2:55, 2 December 2020

Thank you for that answer, Minister. I've been listening to the voices of some of my constituents, who are concerned about the profile of people living with autism and other learning disabilities throughout this pandemic. In our Senedd debates, we're familiar with questions about vulnerable groups and, as often seen in the media, the attention most immediately turns to our older citizens and to care homes. But there are other groups who also need our attention, not least those living in both residential and supported accommodation. Their families need to both hear and then see that their needs are being recognised as a priority as the Welsh Government makes plans to deliver a vaccination programme. I hear about people in care settings who've been withdrawing from contact with families, as they don't fully understand the relevance or the benefit of technologies like Zoom. So, can you assure me, Minister, that people living with autism, and other learning disabilities, and their families, are receiving the rightful consideration in your plans?