Written question WQ100152

The Welsh Government is committed to improving understanding of autism and raising awareness of the experiences and needs of autistic adults across Wales.

Support for autistic adults is delivered through the Integrated Autism Service (IAS), which provides information, advice and support to autistic adults, their families and carers. The IAS also plays an important role in improving awareness and understanding of autism amongst professionals, communities and public services. Across North Wales, including Bangor, Conwy and Ynys Môn, the service delivers Understanding Autism courses, training sessions, drop-in opportunities and advice for autistic adults, families, carers and professionals, helping to promote greater awareness and acceptance of autism.

Through the ongoing implementation of the Code of Practice on the Delivery of Autism Services, public bodies are expected to promote awareness, understanding and acceptance of autism, alongside improving access to information, advice and support. Evaluation of the Code highlighted the IAS’s role in increasing understanding of autism amongst professionals, autistic people, families and communities and supporting earlier recognition of needs.

We continue to support awareness raising through the Neurodivergence Improvement Programme, which is driving improvements in services across Wales. This includes work to strengthen workforce knowledge and skills, improve access to information and promote neuro-inclusive approaches across health, social care and wider public services.

The National Neurodivergence Team works with partners across Wales to develop and share resources, training materials and public information designed to improve understanding of autism and wider neurodivergence. This includes the Autism Understanding and Accepting Scheme, online information sessions and the development of additional learning resources, including a ‘What is Neurodivergence?’ e-learning package.

Welsh Government has also recently established a national Information, Advice and Assistance (IAA) Network, bringing together practitioners from across Wales to share learning, good practice and resources. The network will help strengthen the availability and quality of information and advice for everyone, including neurodivergent people and their families.

Looking ahead, we are developing a new all-age Neurodivergence Code of Practice, which will promote a more consistent, needs-led and person-centred approach across Wales and reinforce the importance of accessible information, early support and neuro-inclusive practice throughout adulthood as well as childhood.