A Welsh Conservative AM is today seeking the views of the public on his proposals for a Wales-specific autism law.
A second consultation has been launched led by Paul Davies AM to invite interested parties to have their say on the Autism (Wales) Bill in its current form.
It follows an initial consultation which ran from 30 August to 20 November last year, the feedback from which went on to inform the wording of the current Bill.
Autism specific legislation already exists in England and Northern Ireland, but currently there is no such equivalent in Wales.
The Bill aims to ensure that the needs of Wales’ 34,000-strong autism community are enshrined into law.
If successful, the Bill would mean that health boards and councils would be legally required to specify what services they need to deliver and would expand upon the Welsh Government's autism strategy.
Paul Davies, Deputy Leader of the Welsh Conservatives and Assembly Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire, said:
“I’m delighted to publish the second consultation to my Autism Bill. It’s been great to receive so much feedback to the initial consultation last year and I truly hope that I’ve been able to incorporate as many points as possible into the drafting of this Bill.
“The whole process has enabled me to engage with so many people about how they want to see autism services delivered across Wales and so I’m truly thankful to reflect on those concerns and present the text of the Bill.
“The entire point of this legislation is to put the provision of autism services on a statutory footing and secure a measure of permanence and sustainability in care and support services for people with autism spectrum conditions.
“Therefore, I hope as many people as possible respond to this consultation and help me create a bespoke piece of legislation for those living with autism in Wales that will meet these objectives.”
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Notes to Editor:
The consultation can be accessed by clicking on the following link:
http://www.assembly.wales/en/bus-home/bus-legislation/proposed_members_bills/Pages/paul-davies.aspx