A major milestone for people with autism has been reached, with the official launch in Powys of the first integrated autism service in Wales.
The development of this service across the country is a key commitment in the Welsh government’s Autistic Spectrum Disorder Strategic Action Plan which was published last year. By putting it in place across all parts of Wales, the Welsh government aims to provide a service for all ages, in the community, that brings together staff across a range of professions and services.
The intention is essentially to deliver a diagnostic assessment for adults, as well as advice, support, and interventions for adults with autism. It will also help to develop other professionals across health and care so that they are better able to meet the needs of people with autism wherever they seek advice and support.
Launching the new integrated autism service in Powys at the Erwood Building, Bronllys Hospital, Minister for Social Services and Public Health, Rebecca Evans AM, said, ‘Wales has led the way in terms of delivering for people with autism.
‘The national integrated autism service will mean that there are new specialist teams in every region across Wales, and these teams will provide adult diagnosis, help with transition, community support for people, and also training for professionals in a wide variety of fields.
‘We will also be ensuring that people are working together in ways which they haven’t before, so that people who are working as psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, support workers from right across health and social care will be working in partnership to deliver for people with autism, and we also going to be seeing education working more closely than ever before with health and social care.’