Wrexham Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths AM has met with a representative of the National Autistic Society Cymru, and signed a pledge to further the support available for people living with Autism in Wales, ahead of the coming Assembly elections in May.
Lesley met with NAS Cymru’s Policy and Public Affairs Officer, Rebecca Evans at Welsh Labour’s Annual Conference in Llandudno, to discuss how services for people affected by autism in Wales can be improved. Following the meeting, Lesley signed the National Autistic Society Cymru’s (NAS Cymru) candidate’s pledge to continue to work to improve the lives of people living with the condition.
Autism affects 1 in every 100 people – amounting to over 25,000 people in Wales alone. Since 2008, the Welsh Assembly Government has launched a ground-breaking Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Strategic Action Plan, which outlines how a road maps for how Welsh Government and local agencies would seek to meet the needs of people with autism and their families.
In another well received move, the Welsh Assembly Government also recently announced an additional £2 million fund to help drive the plan forward in 2011-2012.
However, work is on-going to improve the lives of people affected by autism, from help in school, to improved social services, or help getting the benefits they are entitled to.
Commenting, Lesley said:
“I am proud to have made this pledge to continue the vital work of the Welsh Assembly Government to improve the lives of people living with autism, if re-elected in May. This is a great cause.”
“I am also proud of the high bar set by the Welsh Assembly Government over the last four years in terms of developing autism support. Many people living with the condition are finally getting the right help and support they deserve. “
“However, we cannot be complacent, and there is much we can still do to improve the lives of Autistic people, and their access to services. I think the candidate pledge is a great idea – and will ensure candidates like me will continue to stand up for people with autism, their families, and people who work with them.”
Rebecca Evans, NAS Cymru Policy and Public Affairs Officer added:
“The last Assembly term has brought many positive developments for people affected by autism, such as the introduction of the ASD Strategic Action Plan, an increased focus on autism in areas such as health, social care, and education, and a greater awareness of the condition among our elected representatives.
“We are very pleased that candidates are signing up to our pledge, and look forward to working with many of them in the next Assembly.”
