The Welsh Government has launched a new consultation on its Code of Practice on the Delivery of Autism Services. The Code aims to set out what is legally required of services provided by local authorities, health boards and other public bodies in relation to the support they offer autistic people and their families in Wales. 

This follows our Left Stranded report, highlighting the experiences of autistic people and families during the coronavirus pandemic and calling on the Welsh Government to issue this Code and make improving services and support for autistic people a priority. 

Read the Code

The four main chapters in the Code outline: 

• arrangements for autism assessment and diagnosis
• arrangements for accessing health and social care services
• arrangements for awareness raising and training on autism
• arrangements for planning and monitoring services and stakeholder engagement

The Code of Practice on the Delivery of Autism Services responds to our calls for clear, legally-binding duties on public services to provide support and improve the services available. And whilst we remain disappointed that a proposed an Autism Act for Wales was rejected by the Senedd last year, we are optimistic that the Code offers the potential to meaningfully strengthen the rights of autistic people and their families in Wales.

Our charity, alongside autistic people and families, will be looking closely at the Code and suggesting ways to further improve and strengthen it, and to ensure everyone has their say.

We will provide regular updates on how to get involved in the consultation, so be sure to follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and sign up for email updates.