Despite making repeated calls over two decades for the experiences of women and girls with Autism and ADHD to be listened to and acted on, North Wales MS Mark Isherwood spoke of his frustration yesterday that they are still being failed.
Speaking in the Short Debate ‘Thinking differently: the Women's Institute (WI) campaign to support Autistic and ADHD women and girls’ during Wednesday’s meeting of the Welsh Parliament, Mr Isherwood, who Chairs the Senedd Cross-Party Autism Group, referred to reports which demonstrate that women and girls with these neurodiverse conditions are still not receiving the support they need.
Speaking in the Debate, Mr Isherwood said:
“As the WI states, for too long, women and girls' experiences of Autism and ADHD have been overlooked and missed. I've only been raising this here for two decades.
“Their 2024 report, 'Understanding the Experiences of Autistic and ADHD Women', found that 75 per cent felt there is insufficient support available for Autistic individuals and their families.
“Charity KIM Inspire's 2023 'Supporting Neurodivergent Girls and Young Women across North-East Wales' Report found that the presentations of Autism and ADHD in girls and young women continue to be overlooked by statutory services, that parental blame is frequent, and that this is leading to distress, low self-esteem and self-harming behaviours.
“Leeds University School of Law Research cited that Mothers of Autistic children are 100 times more likely to be investigated for fabricated or induced illness - that's creating or exaggerating their child's difficulties - by Children's Services, and that this was at least as prevalent in Wales. And, last week, I was honoured to attend a consultation at St George's House, Windsor Castle, on this crisis. All call for action from decision makers - long overdue.”