In World Autism Acceptance Week, North Wales MS and Chair of the Senedd Cross Party Autism Group, Mark Isherwood, has outlined a vision created by autistic people, their families and experts, of a world that works for autistic people, and called on his fellow MSs to help make it a reality.
World Autism Acceptance Week aims to change attitudes towards autistic people and their families.
In a 90 Second Statement in the Senedd this afternoon, Mr Isherwood stressed that with one in 100 people in Wales on the spectrum, “it’s crucial that we all consider the part we can play” in creating a society which works for autistic people.
He said:
“As part of its 60th anniversary year, the National Autistic Society collaborated with autistic people to create a vision of a society that works for them. Through interviews, workshops, social media and non-verbal creative activities, the charity invited autistic people, their families and subject experts to describe a world that works for autistic people. The resulting 'The Moonshot Vision' report outlines five key ‘Future Realities’, as well as short-, medium- and long-term milestones.
“It found that an autism-friendly society 'Values autistic individuals. Understands and appreciates what autism is and how it is unique for each individual'; 'Maximises autistic power, empowers autistic people to control how they live their lives and make distinctive contributions that influence the world'; 'Guarantees support, provides seamless diagnosis, support and care for autistic people from all backgrounds, at all moments of need throughout their lives'; 'Adapts public spaces and services, ensures they are inclusive, with flexible adjustments that recognise that not all autistic people have the same preferences'; and 'Is free from discrimination, rejects stereotypes and stigma, removes the expectation to mask, and doesn’t accept being told to fit in'.
“At least one in 100 people in Wales is on the spectrum, so it's crucial that we all consider the part we can play in making this ambitious vision a reality.”