South Wales East Assembly Member Mohammad Asghar has called on the Assembly Government to review elements of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Strategic Action Plan.
He joined Welsh Conservative colleagues in highlighting a number of issues following the publication of a survey from the National Autistic Society Cymru, entitled ‘The Life We Choose’.
Mr Asghar said: “Some 25,000 people in Wales suffer from some form of autism. When you take parents and carers into account, the lives of over 100,000 people in Wales are affected by autism each and every day.
“Just 6 per cent of those with autism who responded to the survey were in full-time employment.
“That figure, quite simply, is shocking and marks a major loss to the Welsh economy. People with autism can offer so much to society, and it is deeply concerning that present conditions mean that many are not fulfilling their potential”.
The Shadow Minister for Heritage & Equality also drew reference to figures concerning the “employment prospects of carers and parents”.
He added: “22 per cent of parents and carers told NAS Cymru that they had to give up work because of their caring responsibilities, while 21 per cent had to reduce working hours and one in 10 had to take a lower-paid job.
“That suggests that the Strategic Plan needs to be reviewed to better consider the needs of parents and carers and how they can be supported, with 70 per cent saying that they feel isolated”.
Mr Asghar concluded: “Clearly, a review of this plan is required to ensure that adequate services, support and information for those whose lives are touched by autism are in place”.
