Cynon Valley AM welcomes significant funding boost for autism support services

Vikki Howells Assembly Member for Cynon Valley has welcomed the announcement by the Welsh Labour Government that they will make an additional £7 million available for the National Integrated Autism Service.  This is on top of funds announced last year and brings the total spend to £13 million.  

Wales became the first country in the UK to take a national approach to autism in 2008, followed up by publishing an Autistic Spectrum Disorder Strategic Action for Wales last year.   The plan includes a new 26-week waiting time target from referral to first appointment for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions, to speed up access to support.

Vikki Howells AM said: 

“I am pleased that the Welsh Labour Government are making additional funding available for autism services. I visited a support group for parents with children on the Autistic Spectrum in my constituency recently where I spoke to families affected by autism. I heard at first-hand how important it is to be able to access information and vital support as quickly and as easily as possible and I will ensure I speak to families again, once the action plan is underway, to hear of their experiences and how this additional funding is working.

“The legislative powers and policies are in place to deliver support for people with autism and this funding builds on that work”

“Families need to trust that services will be available and that is why I welcomed the introduction of the 26 week waiting target.  I know that the Welsh Government will be monitoring waiting times to ensure families get the services they need as promptly as possible.”

ENDS