Labour AM Jeff Cuthbert has signed the National Autistic Society’s candidate’s pledge ahead of the Welsh Assembly elections in May.
Jeff signed the pledge at Labour’s Annual Welsh Conference in Llandudno, where they also met with NAS’ Policy and Public Affairs Officer in Wales, Rebecca Evans, to discuss how services for people affected by autism in Wales can be improved.
Autism has never been higher on the political agenda in Wales. In 2008, the Welsh Government launched its ground-breaking Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Strategic Action Plan, which outlined how the Welsh Government and local agencies would seek to meet the needs of people with autism and their families. The Government has more recently announced that £2 million will be made available to drive the plan forward in 2011-2012.
However, many people affected by autism still go without the basic help they need, whether this is help in school, from social services, or getting the benefits they are entitled to. A research report launched by NAS Cymru in January reveals that many people affected by autism in Wales, including 54% of adults with the condition, say that their needs are still not being met*.
Jeff Cuthbert AM said:
“Autism is much more common than most people think. It affects 1 in 100 people – that’s over 25,000 people in Wales. Wales has set the bar in terms of developing autism support, and many people are finally getting the right support. Yet, many others still go without the help they need, leaving them isolated and unable to participate in society. If re-elected to the Welsh Assembly on 5th May, I have pledged to stand up for people with autism, their families, and the thousands of professionals who work with them every day.”
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.”
