26/01/2010

£1.7 million to be invested in autism in Wales over three years

CARDIFF, Wales: Gwenda Thomas, Welsh Deputy Minister for Social Services, has announced an investment of £1.7 million, over three years, to develop and improve services for adults with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), their carers and their families.

This new funding, released in response to recommendations made by the Adults with ASD Task and Finish Group, will move forward pioneering work to deliver consistent and innovative services so that adults with ASD can fulfil their potential in today’s society.

Hugh Morgan OBE, the Welsh Assembly's Autistic Spectrum Disorder Implementation Manager, will work closely with stakeholders across Wales to drive forward the recommendations and bring about change to:

    * develop and introduce during 2010-11 an all-Wales network offering a diagnostic service for adults together with a pre and post counselling service;
    * develop ASD specific Assessment Tools and awareness raising materials for those involved in the assessment process;
    * provide additional regional monitoring and support for adults with Asperger's syndrome; host an all-Wales Practice Conference on Adults with ASD, provide  training for advocacy personnel working with adults with ASD; and provide a web information site for adults with ASD and their carers;
    * spearhead a publicity campaign targeting employers and businesses throughout Wales, including an All Wales Employment publicity campaign; appointing a Wales ASD Employment Ambassador; and awareness raising and training support for staff within Careers Wales, JobCentre Plus and for Disability Employment Advisors; and,
    * identify existing building design research and collating into a toolkit to assist architects and others in designing housing for people with ASD.

Gwenda Thomas said: "I am delighted to announce this £1.7 million to fund a wide range of services for adults with ASD, their carers and their families.  This money will make a real difference to the lives of all those affected by ASD by improving diagnosis provision and employment opportunities  as well as widening  the range of services available consistently across Wales.

"I feel we are doing something positive for adults, young people and children with ASD and we can be proud of the fact that we are delivering yet another ’world first’ for Wales with this announcement.   

"I wish to thank members of the  Adults with ASD Task and Finish Group under chair Hugh Morgan OBE for their thorough work and  I have agreed that  the Group should  continue to meet in 2010 to consider further areas for development."

(Source: Welsh Assembly Government, January 26, 2010)

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